Distributed framework for intertask communication between workstation applications

The Distributed Framework Intertask Communication Method and Apparatus of the present invention provides a method for communicating between applications using an extensible communication protocol with an intuitive user interface allowing the user to easily visualize and control the connectivity between applications. The connectivity between applications is controlled by the end user at run time using a graphical user interface. The user controls inter-application communication based on an iconic representation of information and interaction. The user transmits an interest object associated with an event from a first application to a server. The server then retransmits that interest object to a second application. When the second application practices that event, information concerning the practice of that event is transmitted directly from the second application to the first application without routing that event information through the server. At the application programmer level, the programmer may selectively add new custom event and data types or delete event and data types as required by the different applications. Each client application includes a human interface code, for controlling the window display of the particular client application on the workstation, and a framework code for directing and controlling the communication and transmission of the interest objects and events between the first client application and a plurality of other client applications.