1. A computer-based method, comprising: (a) providing first memory storing a first workspace element and first version information for identifying any modifications made to the first workspace element since a previous examination; (b) providing second memory coupled via a network to the first memory, the second memory storing an independently modifiable copy of the first workspace element and second version information for identifying any modifications made to the second workspace element since the previous examination; (c) generating from the first version information a first examination result which indicates whether the first workspace element has been modified since the previous examination; (d) generating from the second version information a second examination result which indicates whether the copy has been modified since the previous examination; (e) initiating steps (c) and (d) after predetermined criteria have been satisfied; (f) determining a preferred version based on the first and second examination results and on the first and second version information; and (g) storing the preferred version in the first memory and in the second memory.