REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 18, 1996 — This week, Microsoft Corp. made available the beta version of Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) for the Windows® 95 operating system. DCOM, a key capability of ActiveX
™technologies for building powerful Internet and intranet applications, is currently included in the Windows NT® operating system version 4.0. Developers and customers can download the DCOM for Windows 95 beta from the World Wide Web at http://www.microsoft.com/oledev/olemkt/oledcom/dcom95.htm .
DCOM is simply
“COM with a longer wire,”
an object protocol that enables ActiveX components to communicate directly with each other across a network. DCOM is language-neutral, so any language, including Java
™
, that produces ActiveX components can also produce DCOM applications. DCOM will be available on UNIX and other operating systems through Software AG and Digital Equipment Corp., and through an open standards process that is under way.
“DCOM for Windows 95 is a powerful tool for ISVs, developers and customers that allows distributed applications to communicate across multiple networks and perform tasks in unison. For example, a developer could integrate applications running on different servers around the world to work together in a single document or Web page,”
said Jonathan Roberts, director of desktop marketing at Microsoft.
“DCOM for Windows 95 will help deliver on the promise of distributed component applications to the 40 million users of Windows 95.”
To add DCOM support to their current Windows 95 operating systems, developers and customers can download a kit from the Web that automatically installs DCOM support to existing Windows 95-based systems. A major upgrade of the Windows 95 operating system is not required.
Based on the Open Software Foundation’s DCE-RPC specification, DCOM was developed by Microsoft with the involvement of Internet developers and ISVs. Microsoft engaged industry participation early this year by publishing the DCOM wire protocol as an Internet draft specification. DCOM is included in ActiveX technologies, which Microsoft is in the process of shifting to an open standards body.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows, ActiveX and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc.
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