A live object pattern is described that enables a distributed cache to store live objects as data entries thereon. A live object is a data entry stored in the distributed cache which represents a particular function or responsibility. When a live object arrives to the cache on a particular cluster server, a set of interfaces are called back which inform the live object that it has arrived at that server and that it should initiate to perform its functions. A live object is thus different from “dead” data entries because a live object performs a set of function, can be started/stopped and can interact with other live objects in the distributed cache. Because live objects are backed up across the cluster just like normal data entries, the functional components of the system are more highly available and are easily transferred to another server's cache in case of failures.