A method and system for serving software applications to remote clients across
the internet, for example, is disclosed that preferably utilizes standard, SMB
(server message block), protocols, which are available in commercial operating
systems. Further, an associated business method is described in which subscribing
institutions can out-source the application serving to a third party institution,
transparently. Finally, a port proxy system is provided that enables tunneling
through firewalls that are configured to block communications from SMB ports.