A multi-user computer network (10) has multiple remote workstations (12, 26, 28) connected to a network server (22). The workstations access records from a database (32) controlled by the network server. All workstations can have the same record (42) open with full read and write privileges. When one workstation wants to make a change, a request is made to the network server to change the record. The network server authorizes the change to the record. The change to the record is make available to the other workstations to keep all users synchronized to the same version of the record. The network server operates as coordinator of the database allowing simultaneous changes while maintaining the latest version of the records at all workstations which utilize the record.