An interchange server for coupling with a plurality of connectors comprises an application collaboration module for defining the generic portion of the inter-operability function. The application collaboration module comprises a transaction service responsive to a trigger for initiating the inter-operability function and being activated upon receipt of data from one or more connectors. The trigger and the transaction deliver data to one or more connectors for transfer to an associated application whereby the inter-operability function is realized while each application is executing independently in an unmodified state. The connectors are configured for communicating with a like plurality of applications.