1. A method for associating a data bearing object with a user interface object, comprising: defining a controlling object between a data bearing object and a user interface object; and defining, using a processor, an association object interposed between the controlling object and the user interface object; wherein the data bearing object corresponds to an entry in a database; wherein the association object links the controlling object to the user interface object, communicates with the controlling object using a standard message format, and communicates with the user interface object using a message format specific to the user interface object; and wherein the controlling object transports via the association object a data value from the data bearing object to the user interface object, which data value is displayed by the user interface object.