An information retrieval/distribution system configured on computers and
for requesting the retrieval of information which is scattered on a
network, comprises an information retrieval request unit for requesting
the retrieval of information and a plurality of database management units
for managing databases. Each of the plurality of database management units
(e.g., each manager) has management information about the databases which
are managed by each manager, and has management information about the
databases which are managed by other database management units which can
be connected to each manager through said network. When a retrieval
criterion is input to the information retrieval request unit, one of the
plurality of database management units (e.g., one manager), based on the
management information in one manager, retrieves the information in the
databases managed by one manager, and requests any other database
management unit (e.g., other manager) managing the database in which the
information related to said retrieval criterion is stored to retrieve the
information in the databases managed by other manager, thereby
distributing the information corresponding to the retrieval criterion to
the information retrieval request source.
