Disclosed are methods, apparatus, systems, and computer readable storage media for interacting with a content object from an on-demand database service. The content object can be stored in an external content management data source. Access can be established with the external content object using information data identifying the content object, where the information data identifying the content object can be stored in a persistent object in a database of the on-demand database service. An indication of an event requesting interaction with the content object can be received. The persistent object can be updated to reflect the interaction with the content object.