Engineering component-based systems with distributed object technology

Abstract

Distributed object technology (DOT) is the synthesis of object technology and distributed systems technology. While there is no universal approach to this synthesis, a number of technologies have emerged: SunSoft’s Java, Microsoft’s DCOM, and OMG’s CORBA, to name just a few. The recent explosion of the worldwide web has given impetus to the adoption of DOT. In this paper we survey a broad range of implications concerning the use of DOT for integrating systems from large-scale software components. We discuss the architectural implications of DOT in terms of design patterns and middleware, and highlight the pragmatics of encapsulating components with DOT. We describe recent experiments we have conducted concerning interoperation among different DOTS. Finally, we outline some techniques that we have found to be useful for keeping abreast of the quickening developments in DOT.