1. A method for incorporating an external predefined procedure into an existing unit of work, said existing unit of work being part of a client application process, said method comprising the steps of: (a) creating, in a database environment, a "logical representation" of said client application process, that is connected to said client application process; (b) disconnecting said "logical representation" from said client application process; (c) connecting said "logical representation" to a procedure operating environment to execute external programs; (d) executing said external predefined procedure in said procedure operating environment; (e) disconnecting said "logical representation" from said procedure operating environment; and (f) reconnecting said "logical representation" to said client application process, to incorporate the external predefined procedure into the existing unit of work.