Abstract: Methods and network architectures for loosely coupling object and non-object oriented applications to a network include an object broker hub, a messaging system, and a business object representation of data. Business objects are embodied by a combination of high level APIs, low level APIs and data stores in each of the applications. The messaging system implements a publish-subscribe model in which all messages conform to a logical definition common to all applications. The higher level APIs, based upon the content of the message, commit the necessary low level APIs access the application's data stores to execute the business object. The loosely coupled nature of the messaging system, coupled with the dual API and switch concepts, allows a loose coupling of object and non-object oriented applications and enhances the functionality of non-object applications by allowing them to execute functionally complete business objects.