Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for rapid delivery of facsimile or other data sets to a massive number of recipients is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, the data set is distributed and delivered by a number of general purpose computers. A scheduling computer defines the paths for communicating the data set via a plurality of general purpose computers. A broadcasting job comprising the fax to be delivered and the distribution instructions for a first GP computer and the other GP computers in its assigned path is delivered to a first general purpose computer. The first general purpose computer communicates a portion of its fax broadcast job to a second GP computer. The broadcast job is distributed in an exponential tree having at least two, and preferably many, levels. Through the use of an exponential distribution tree, the fax is delivered quickly through the use of many general purpose computers.

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First Claim