Abstract: A network server (20) establishes communication between devices (15A-15N) in an Intranet (16) and a network (11). The network server (20) has a database (30) storing device property tables (35A-35N) and object property tables (A1-Ai, B1-Bj, . . . , N1-Nk), which are periodically mapped from the devices (15A-15N). The database (30) enables the identification, description, controlling, monitoring, and modification of the objects in a device (15A) from multiple clients on the network (11). The database (30) further allows the exchange of date among the devices (15A-15N) in the Intranet (16). The database (30) also provides a platform and independent communication process between the network (11) and the devices (15A-15N).