Abstract: An abstract document management layer service (ADML service/module) operating as a single service enabling retrieval, manipulation and management of documents using various specifications. Documents are accessed from a single point of entry. Multiple-document management systems virtually integratale behind ADML. ADML is accessible over a network-enabled interface and provides document access using specification like JAVA, C, CORBA. ADML is Web accessible using JAVA servlet technology. Service requests can be based on HTTP, and ADML responses can be carried out using XML. Access to the contents of a document is URL-based. URLs enable a client application to download documents without additional interaction. URLs can be stored outside of ADML and used to access a specific document.