1. A method of providing a Java object from a cache server to a requesting system, the cache server being communicably coupled to a Java object database and one or more requesting systems, the method comprising: receiving a request from a requesting system, the request identifying a Java object; responsive to said request, determining whether the identified Java object is stored in the cache server; and if the identified Java object is stored in the cache server: serializing the identified Java object; and sending the serialized Java object to the requesting system; and if the identified Java object is not stored in the cache server: instantiating the identified Java object; serializing the instantiated Java object; and sending the serialized Java object to the requesting system.