Abstract: Document and message exchange can be facilitated using a Application Service Provider model. Assigning unique identifiers for data fields allows multiple databases to exchange information using relational databases. A project can be initiated and participants invited to collaborate using a distributed computing environment, such as the global Internet. Participants retain ownership of information by selecting the information to be shared, and optionally storing their information on databases restricted to them. Information is routed between collaborators using unique identifiers. Unique identifiers and their corresponding data fields can be mapped to a user's local computing area. Changes in documents and responses to documents can be monitored by inserting new records reflecting the changes into document tables.