An apparatus for and method of utilizing an internet terminal coupled to the world wide web to access an existing proprietary data base management system having a dialog-based request format. The create empty data set user request is received by a web server from the world wide web. The security profile is validated to establish permission for honoring the service request. The Cool ICE engine is called to implement the create data set method. An appropriate area within the repository is located and the new empty data set is created in accordance with the parameters received.