The present invention provides functional client side data cache coherence distributed across database servers and clients. This system includes an application resident on a client operable to request access to data, and wherein the client is coupled to a local memory cache operable to store requested date. The client is coupled to a remote memory storage system, such as disk storage or network resources by a communication pathway. This remote memory storage system is operable to store data, process requests for specified data, retrieve the specified data from within the remote memory storage system, and transmit the requested data to the client with annotated version information. The data received by the client is verified as being coherent with any downstream linked information stored in the client's local memory cache. Otherwise, updated coherent data is requested, received and verified prior to being used by the client and its resident applications.