A unique formatting scheme for object-relational mapping allows disparate applications that adopt the scheme to seamlessly access data in disparate relational databases. The formatting scheme contemplates a common format that conveys the mapping information through (i) attributes embedded with code objects, and (ii) an external mapping source. Adoption of the common format can result in several advantages for network-based client-server operations: (i) Software developers can continue programming in their existing languages. (ii) Data servers from various vendors can also continue to be developed and managed in the vendors' core programming languages. (iii) Vendors that employ client applications which have adopted the common format can consistently use various data warehouses without incurring customization costs.