Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include a common application platform including a set of shared services that can be utilized by applications executing on top the application platform. One embodiment of the invention includes a user device including a processor configured by an operating system, where the processor is further configured by an application platform including a natively implemented virtual. machine configured to execute non-natively implemented applications; a services container, including at least one natively implemented service configured for utilization by an application executing within the virtual machine, wherein the at least one natively implemented service is a shared service that can be utilized by a plurality of different applications; and at least one handler configured to handle communication via at least one socket between an application executing within the virtual machine and the at least one natively implemented service in the services container.