System and method for in-stream data compression

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention is a heuristic in-stream data compression system. The system comprises a computer-based input device, a server having heuristic compression decision logic, and a communications infrastructure linking the input device to the server. A database linked to the server maintains workstation and network performance data. Also, an applications database is linked to the database server for providing selected server applications. A system and method for compressing a data set. The method comprises the steps of: (i) requesting a data set from a server to be sent to a user, (ii) determining the size of the data set to be sent, (iii) compressing the data set, (iv) assigning a compression flag to the compressed data set, (v) sending the compression flag and compressed data set to the user, (vi) inspecting the data set for compression, (vii) uncompressing the data set; and (viii) processing the data set. Alternatively, upon determining the size of the data set to be sent, assigning an uncompressed flag to the data set, sending the uncompressed flag and data set to the user, inspecting the data set for compression, and processing the data set. In another alternative embodiment, upon determining the size of the data set to be sent, sending the uncompressed data set to the user, inspecting the data set for compression, and processing the data set.