1. A computer-based method comprising the steps of: (a) generating first examination results from first version information which indicates whether a first workspace element stored at a first store within a firewall has been modified; (b) generating second examination results from second version information which indicates whether an independently-modifiable copy of the first workspace element has been modified, the copy being stored at a second store outside the firewall; (c) initiating steps (a) and (b) from within the firewall when predetermined criteria have been satisfied; (d) generating a preferred version from the first workspace element and from the copy based on the first and second examination results; and (e) storing the preferred version at the first store and at the second store.