Manager for software controls in an operating environment

A manager for a plurality of controls within an operating environment, wherein said plurality of controls manipulate stored data and associates received data with said stored data, comprising:

• a type string to identify said manager to said operating environment;
• a control list to identify said plurality of controls;
• and
• an information field to determine data fields to be displayed by said operating environment, wherein said data fields correlate to said plurality of controls.

A method for coordinating a control within an operating environment, comprising:

• querying a control list on a manager within said operating environment;
• identifying a control from said control list;
• retrieving information for said control;
• and
• coordinating said control with another control within said operating environment using said manager, wherein said another control is on said control list.

A method for managing controls within an operating environment, wherein said operating environment facilitates data exchange, comprising:

• notifying a manager of the controls within said operating environment;
• registering with said manager those controls recognized by said manager;
• providing information to said registered controls from said manager;
• and
• facilitating communication between said controls and said operating environment via said manager.

A method for performing an action with controls within an operating environment, comprising:

• receiving a command for said action at a manager within said operating environment, wherein said manager coordinates said controls;
• identifying a control method for said action, wherein said manager initiates said control method;
• identifying at least one control to execute in conjunction with said control method;
• receiving information from said manager at said at least one control;
• and
• performing said action using said information with said at least one control.