Abstract: A collaboration and communication system comprises a host server and a plurality of participant computers. The host server is configured to execute a collaboration application; and a background message application configured to establish a background messaging session to facilitate communication of a representation of custom data not supported by the collaboration application. The plurality of participant computers are configured to execute: a client application configured to share data with the collaboration application in a collaboration session; a connector application configured to monitor the collaboration application client to determine when to communicate the custom data and communicate the custom data via the background messaging session. Methods for communicating custom data between the host server and the plurality of participant devices are also described.