Transparent coupling between compatible containers communicating over networks

An apparatus for transparent coupling between compatible containers communicating over networks, the apparatus comprising:

• one or more memories comprising a first container;
• and
• one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured, when executing at least a portion of the first container:
• to determine, by using one or more messages defined by an open-standard protocol and communicated over one or more networks coupled to a second container, whether the second container can communicate using messages having a portion not defined by an open-standard protocol and having a portion defined by the open-standard protocol;
• and
• to communicate, with the second container, at least one additional message having the portion not defined by the open-standard protocol and having the portion defined by the open-standard protocol, wherein the portion not defined by the open-standard protocol occupies a predetermined part of the at least one additional message that would be defined by the open-standard protocol if the open-standard protocol were used for the predetermined part.

An article of manufacture for transparent coupling between compatible containers communicating over networks, the article of manufacture comprising:

• a computer readable medium containing one or more programs which when executed on a first container implement the steps of:
• determining, by using one or more messages defined by an open-standard protocol and communicated over one or more networks coupled to a second container, whether the second container can communicate using messages having a portion not defined by an open-standard protocol and having a portion defined by the open-standard protocol;
• and
• communicating, with the second container, at least one additional message having the portion not defined by the open-standard protocol and having the portion defined by the open-standard protocol, wherein the portion not defined by the open-standard protocol occupies a predetermined part of the at least one additional message that would be defined by the open-standard protocol if the open-standard protocol were used for the predetermined part.