Cross-system process control framework

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for controlling distributed software applications implementing asynchronous replication of shared data objects. Each shared data object has a distinct token. A token has respective states (active or inactive) at each computing system sharing the data object. At most one computing system can have the token active at any time; possessing an active token allows a computing system to update the shared data object. Counters maintain state across the computing systems, and semantic checks specific to a class of data objects (or, a single object) ensure consistency of updates across computing systems. Token activation requests and update replication requests are supported. Participating computing systems can have asymmetric or symmetric roles. Token management can be provided by a framework offering superior performance compared to conventional locking systems, co-existence with local conventional locking systems, and a single uniform interface for streamlined integration with existing software applications.