A workspace template is operative to store a collaboration workspace for successive reuse. A template script processor creates a parameterized metadata definition of a workspace. The metadata definition is written as an XML file to a storage repository. A template script processor parses the metadata XML representation to reinstantiate the workspace in the server. The workspace provides services via applications, and includes references to application objects in the applications. The server is operable to retrieve data in the application objects, modify data via the workspace, and store the modified data in the referenced application object. The workspace need not store data, since the server maps the references in the workspace to the respective services. The reused portions may encompass particular expertise gained or residing in the group, thus generally capturing and reusing the best practices of frequently used patterns, such as propagating a knowledge base of corporate practices and procedures.