Uniform object model having methods and additional features for integrating objects defined by different foreign object type systems into a single type system

A method for integrating at least one foreign object into an object oriented environment, said method comprising the steps of:

• receiving into an object oriented environment at least one foreign object defined by a foreign object type system;
• providing, for said object oriented environment, a type system that supports at least one additional feature not supported by said foreign object type system;
• converting said at least one foreign object defined by said foreign object type system into an object with a class type compatible with said type system;
• and
• executing a plurality of objects, including said at least one foreign object, in a run time environment including implementing, via said object oriented environment, said additional feature for said at least one foreign object, such that said at least one foreign object operates as a full fledged object with functionality supported by said type system in said object oriented environment.

A method for implementing persistence of objects in an object oriented environment, said method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a request from a client of said object oriented environment to store an object in a data source;
• generating, in response to said request to store said object, a token that identifies said object;
• transmitting said token to said client;
• assigning an adapter to interface between said data source and said object oriented environment, said adapter interfacing said data source to said object oriented environment;
• and
• associating said token with said adapter, wherein said token identifies said object in said logical repository without requiring said client to directly communicate with said adapter that supports said data source.