This book teaches software developers the pros and cons of Component Object Model (COM) and Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM). It explains how to use COM and DCOM with their existing systems, how they fit into two and three-tier client/server architectures, and new technologies from Microsoft such as Transaction Server and Falcon.

DCOM -- the Distributed Component Object Model -- is a recent upgrade of a time-honored and well-tested technology promoted by Microsoft for distributed object programming. Now that components are playing a larger and larger part in Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 2000, every Windows programmer will want to understand the technology. DCOM competes with CORBA as a rich and robust method for creating expandable and flexible components, allowing you to plug in new parts conveniently and upgrade without the need for code changes to every program that uses your component. This book introduces C++ programmers to DCOM and gives them the basic tools they need to write secure, maintainable programs. While using Visual C++ development tools and wizards where appropriate, the author never leaves the results up to magic. The C++ code used to create distributed components and the communications exchanged between systems and objects are described at a level where the reader understands their significance and can use the insights for such tasks as debugging and improving performance. The first few chapters explain both the remote procedure calls that underlie DCOM's communication and the way DCOM uses C++ classes. Readers become firmly grounded in the relation between components, classes, and objects, the ways objects are created and destroyed, how clients find servers, and the basics of security and threading. After giving you a grounding in how DCOM works, this book introduces you to the Microsoft tools that make it all easy. By showing what really happens each time you choose a button in a wizard, Learning DCOM makes it possible for you to choose what you need. This book is for anyone who wants to understand DCOM. While thoroughly practical in its goals, it doesn't stint on the background you need to make your programs safe, efficient, and easy to maintain. Topics include: MIDL (Microsoft Interface Definition Language, the language for defining COM interfaces) COM error and exception handling Custom, dispatch, and dual interfaces Standard and custom factories Management of in-process versus out-of-process servers Distributed memory management Pragmatic explanation of the DCOM wire protocol Standard, custom, handler, and automation marshaling Multithreading and apartments Security at the system configuration and programming level Active Template Library (ATL), ATL wizards -- and what they don't do Writing a component that can be invoked from Visual Basic Techniques for using distributed components Creating an ActiveX control and embedding it in a Web client Authentication and the use of Windows NT security features Techniques for merging marshaling code Connection and distributed events management An introduction to COM+ features

Key features include integrated learning about all four aspects of COM (COM, Automation, ActiveX, and DCOM), an emphasized component creation and use of techniques independent of any single programming language. The CD-ROM includes source code for all projects presented in the book in all four development environments covered.

This practical, easy-to-understand guide to using Microsoft's COM+ offers end-to-end lifecycle coverage, from application planning through delivery. The authors give extensive examples and sample applications, demonstrating how to brainstorm, organize, implement, and test sophisticated COM+-based distribution applications. The CBT Systems training module is featured on the CD-ROM.

Offering a distinctive approach, this book will teach readers not only how to use COM but how to think in COM. COM can greatly improve the efficiency of applications, but COM fluency is a difficult task. The book is a top resource for developers who need to make the transition from superficial understanding to deep knowledge.

For the hard-core corporate developer who needs "just the facts" and real-world examples to building distributed applications using Microsoft's Component Object Model. Loaded with carefully documented real-world C++ code that readers can put to work immediately. Complete with a Quick Reference to COM/DCOM interfaces, including keywords for all methods, properties, and other programming details, as well as a Glossary. Illus.

"Inside Distributed COM" is for the developer wanting to leverage this power in their systems through a range of different development environments, such as C++, Visual Basic, and Java. The book-and-CD set gives a concise and practical understanding of DCOM, including samples shown in a variety of languages.