One embodiment of the invention provides a method for integrating a plurality of computer applications. The method includes receiving from a requestor a request of a target application. The request includes data identifying a target application and a target application service requested by the requestor. An abstraction layer receives the request. The method further includes using a Profile Manager in communication with the abstraction layer to receive data identifying the target application, to select a sack (a portable container for the request, e.g., a serialized object) and to select which of a plurality of sack content providers (SCPs) to use to interface with an appropriate element given the target application. The plurality of SCPs are in communication with the abstraction layer. The plurality of SCPs interface with a plurality of elements including at least a first application and at least a first hub.