1. A processor-implemented method for providing a runtime environment comprising: transforming a passive document into a first active document by creating a first shell exclusively for the first active document; wherein the first shell surrounds the first active document, and comprises: an executable code that provides management and connectivity features to the first active document; and an interface to provide access to the first active document; registering the first shell with a first helper upon activation of the first shell; wherein the first shell has a computational power that is substantially smaller than a computational power of the first helper; wherein the first helper provides to the first shell, at least some of the processing power of the first helper; wherein the first helper selectively performs, on demand, at least some of the tasks on behalf of the first shell; wherein the first shell operates in the runtime environment to coordinate the management and connectivity features and to distribute tasks; wherein the first active document is processable as a process rather than a passive document; and wherein the first active document gradually collects additional data and state information.