The present invention provides various components that may be utilized in connection with an information pool. Such components may include a data source monitor that provides notification of changed data to subscribing agents. At least one read/write agent may be capable of reading the changed data from a monitored data source, and writing that changed data to the information pool. Other agents can then retrieve the changed information from the information pool for use by associated applications. A pool monitor may be provided to detect the presence of changed information in the information pool and notify an agent associated with an application. In another aspect, the information pool may be used to store services utilized by applications. Each time an application requires access to the service, an associated agent may retrieve that service. Services may be changed and added without disrupting operation of applications.