Patent attributes
In a system where files are shared by a plurality of client apparatuses through a network, when an access to a file in the shared files by a first client apparatus is received, it is decided whether the file is under editing by a second client apparatus or not, with reference to file management data. When the accessed file is not edited by a second client apparatus, the second client apparatus editing the file including a portion which the first client apparatus intends to edit, a first graphic user interface is presented for notifying whether the second apparatus permits or rejects editing of the portion by the first client apparatus. When a notification to permit editing of the portion is received, the first client apparatus is allowed to open the file in a status wherein editing of the portion is permitted.
