Abstract: A cell-oriented data system in which memory cells contain data. A preferred method for storing data in the memory cells includes: receiving at least one datum for storage in the data system; storing the datum in a variable cell that is configured for storing data; and assigning at least one of a plurality of cell data type descriptions to the variable cell. The variable cell is preferably linked to at least one directory cell and at least one linking cell that are used to group a plurality of cells in a hierarchical order. Cell based access to the stored data through any appropriate communication protocol, such as HTTP, can be obtained by using URIs that represent addresses of the data contained in particular cells. Cell based data storage can be made available through a variety of fee based services that benefit from the fine granularity provided by the cell structure.