1. A method for providing flyweight access within a cloud environment to a content object stored in an external content repository, the method including: receiving a content object identifier for a content object that a user or a system has selected to access from a cloud or web-based software system, wherein the content object is stored on an external content repository; passing the content object identifier to a content hub that identifies the data source from the object identifier and uses a repository-specific connector to access the content repository and the content object; traversing one or more firewalls or security layers between the content hub and the content repository using a secure transport tunnel that forwards authentication requests and authentication credentials to the content repository; accessing the content object using the repository-specific connector; creating a virtual object that includes at least an access controlled preview representing the content object and the content object identifier; and embedding the virtual object in the content feed.