A method of providing a user access to data files distributed in a plurality of different types of user devices is described. According to the method, a copy of data files stored locally at each user device is received at a server via a respective network communication link. Index information is generated based on the received data files. The index information facilitates performing a search operation using user-provided search information to select any of the data files. If a selected data file from the search operation is not stored locally at a desired user device, a copy of the selected data file is sent from the server via the respective network communication link to provide the user access to the selected data file at the desired user device.