Architecture that facilitates support for similar user interface (UI) models and user experience of independent applications. A data mapping component is provided that maps a user record of a business-centric application to a business object of the business-centric application. When employed in combination with another independent application, such as a personal information manager (PIM), a PIM component exposes the business object via a PIM user interface in a personalized way that enables user interaction with the business object to apply PIM actions to the business object. The mapping component can be a join table between the user record and the business object that enables the setting of PIM settings and user interface actions into the business product. Additionally, a communications infrastructure is provided where the PIM client UI communicates to the data-based server system in the business environment and persists PIM-specific settings to the business object.