A system and method that enables sharing of resources and materials on a
worldwide basis is disclosed. This system and method creates a secure
extranet, with member sites communicating through a shared mediator
service. The extranet protects private information at each site, yet
allows searching and sharing of resources by authorized users of any
extranet site. A preferred embodiment is an extranet of Lotus
Notes/Domino servers, where information can be shared via the extranet
without requiring cross-certification or replication among the servers.