share data between apps

I'd like to be able to share data from one table out to my various apps. For example, in my current extranet (custom Perl), I have mySQL tables for Countries, US States, Clients, Employees, etc. These are all accessed by multiple applications.

In ZC these would be extended options under "Import data from" when adding a field.

Accessing tables from other users' apps would open some very interesting possibilities -- but at very least I'd like the option to share data across my own apps.

Thoughts?