10. A method for creating a messaging hierarchy among multiple network entities in a computer network, the method comprising: locating a parent tier entity by a first entity in the network upon joining the network; sending subscription information for the first entity to the parent tier entity, wherein said subscription information defines a desired scope of content to which the first entity subscribes; and determining whether the desired scope is encompassed by a scope of content to which the parent tier entity subscribes; when determined that the desired scope is encompassed by the scope of content to which the parent tier entity subscribes, not propagating the subscription information for the first entity further; when determined that the desired scope is not encompassed by the scope of content to which the parent tier entity subscribes, sending said subscription information from the parent tier entity to entities above the parent tier entity in the messaging hierarchy and to entities below the parent tier entity which provide at least a portion of data corresponding to said desired scope; wherein the messaging hierarchy is formed by virtual connections between the network entities in response to publication/subscription information exchanged between entities and corresponds to a data hierarchy defined for the messaging hierarchy, wherein information embedded within published content to which one or more entities subscribe defines said data hierarchy; wherein the multiple network entities act as publication entities, subscription entities and guest entities, wherein publication entities provide data to the messaging hierarchy, subscription entities receive data from publication entities, and guest entities are operable to temporarily join the network to distribute data or perform queries.
10. A method for creating a messaging hierarchy among multiple network entities in a computer network, the method comprising: locating a parent tier entity by a first entity in the network upon joining the network; sending subscription information for the first entity to the parent tier entity, wherein said subscription information defines a desired scope of content to which the first entity subscribes; and determining whether the desired scope is encompassed by a scope of content to which the parent tier entity subscribes; when determined that the desired scope is encompassed by the scope of content to which the parent tier entity subscribes, not propagating the subscription information for the first entity further; when determined that the desired scope is not encompassed by the scope of content to which the parent tier entity subscribes, sending said subscription information from the parent tier entity to entities above the parent tier entity in the messaging hierarchy and to entities below the parent tier entity which provide at least a portion of data corresponding to said desired scope; wherein the messaging hierarchy is formed by virtual connections between the network entities in response to publication/subscription information exchanged between entities and corresponds to a data hierarchy defined for the messaging hierarchy, wherein information embedded within published content to which one or more entities subscribe defines said data hierarchy; wherein the multiple network entities act as publication entities, subscription entities and guest entities, wherein publication entities provide data to the messaging hierarchy, subscription entities receive data from publication entities, and guest entities are operable to temporarily join the network to distribute data or perform queries. 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the virtual connections formed between entities can be top-level connections, parent tier connections, or closest tier connections.