Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing intercepted requests and responses related to document retrieval between client and server computers. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, document metadata from server responses are inspected and stored in a database by an acceleration device in the network path between client and server computers. The device inspects freshness verification requests sent from client to server computers and, based on information stored in its database, sends “not modified” responses back to the client computers without involving the server computers, thereby reducing network and server loads and improving response time. In further embodiments the device may maintain its database by sending document information requests to server computers and processing their subsequent responses.