Abstract: A mater copy of an attachment, such as a document attached to an email message, is maintained at a server. When users desire to modify, forward, resend, etc., the attachment, links to the attachment are provided with an email message. Version and access controls are maintained by the server and specialized client software working with application programs and with the email system. A preferred embodiment of the invention uses a hypertext link to open a web page that allows controlled access to the attachment. A user interface is provided to allow a user to designate how an attachment is handled. The creator of an attachment can set access rights and restrictions for other users and recipients. A status monitor is provided to view conditions and operations related to an attachment. An access interface is provided to allow a recipient of a link to a document to view and otherwise obtain the document and to perform operations on the document.