CORBA Component Model Will Help Developers Quickly Design and Implement Mission Critical Distributed Systems.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 2, 1999--

The Object Management Group announced that the CORBA Component Model (CCM) specification was approved through a vote by the group's Object Request Broker Task Force at the group's most recent Technical Meeting Week, held August 23-27, 1999 in San Jose, CA, USA. Final adoption of the specification is expected at the OMG Board of Directors' meeting in November. BEA Systems, Inc., an organization that played a major role in pushing the CCM to completion, sponsored the meeting.

The CCM provides the final piece needed to complete the CORBA 3.0 specification, and provides a framework for building, assembling, and deploying 'plug-and-play' CORBA objects. The CCM packages the most successful programming patterns for building scalable systems into an easy-to-use development and runtime environment. CORBA 3.0 also includes specifications for integration of CORBA with the Java platform and the Internet, Messaging, and Quality of Service control. CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) specifies a platform-neutral, vendor-neutral infrastructure for enterprise integration. It is a fundamental technology for distributed, enterprise-wide applications using any major programming language including C++, Java and COBOL. Hundreds of deployed CORBA solutions play a crucial role in integrating large enterprises today.

"CORBA 3.0 is now technically complete. While we were hoping to finalize this work in early '99, the final result is testimony to the quality results via the OMG process. A delay in getting the specification finished enabled all the contributors to come to consensus and add support for emerging technologies like XML, Dynamic HTML and Enterprise Application Integration," explains Richard Soley, CEO of the Object Management Group. "The CCM (a specification which defines how component containers within application servers will map objects to databases) enables complete integration with EJB -- without abandoning full support for other languages like COBOL and C++. It allows simple programming and automatic code generation from tools, along with the added benefit of persistence."

Because of the way the CCM packages up the patterns and services that developers use in large-scale applications,

--CCM applications are easier to code, with up to 90% of project code automatically generated;

--CCM applications are very compact; and

--CCM applications scale to Internet and enterprise loads.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with Java(tm), COBOL, Microsoft COM/DCOM, C++, Ada, C and Smalltalk, the CCM is programming-language and platform independent and will be capable of interoperating with other emerging component technologies including ActiveX and Enterprise JavaBeans(tm) (EJB(tm)) technology. The CCM includes features of EJB as a subset, allowing EJB technology and CORBA Components to be integrated in the same application. By extending the popular EJB model, CCM allows Java and other code to coexist on the CORBA platform.

The CORBA Component Model is the latest step in OMG's unparalleled ten-year track record of delivering successful enterprise application integration solutions. A number of widely recognized organizations have already stated their commitment to support and/or implement the CORBA Component Model. They include: BEA Systems, Inc.; the Cooperative Research Centre for Distributed Systems Technology; Expersoft Corporation; Fujitsu, Limited; Genesis Development Corporation; Hewlett-Packard Company; IBM Corporation; Inprise Corporation; IONA Technologies, Plc; Oracle Corporation; Rogue Wave Software, Inc.; Sun Microsystems, Inc.; and UBS, AG.

Anne Thomas, senior analyst, Patricia Seybold Group said, "Organizations are turning to component-based application frameworks such as Enterprise JavaBeans so that they can develop mission-critical distributed application systems as quickly as possible. They need to develop these types of systems to support modern Internet requirements. The problem with EJB is that it only supports Java. Although Java addresses many situations, it's not the only language in the world. CCM is essentially a language-independent extension of EJB. It supports standard EJB components, and it can support components developed in C++, Ada, Smalltalk, or even Cobol. The CORBA infrastructure ensures a solid foundation for today's distributed enterprise."

"Our clients have made it clear that they're looking for a tightly integrated Java/EJB/CORBA solution. They want EJB for the ease-of-use and portability for developing new applications. Given its multi-language, multi-platform attributes, they want CORBA for integrating new and existing C++ and COBOL assets," said Karen Boucher, executive vice president, The Standish Group. "The arrival of the CORBA Component Model will give our clients the ability to establish a single enterprise component model that merges EJB with CORBA's cross-language capabilities."

Among the hundreds of companies already employing CORBA-based solutions are BellSouth, Boeing, the Chicago Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Telecom, NASA, Nokia, Wells Fargo Bank, and Xerox (see www.corba.org). For more info on how you can help build the architecture for a connected world, see www.omg.org, or contact the OMG at [phone].

About The OMG

With the support of its membership of software vendors, software developers and end users, the OMG's CORBA is "The Middleware That's Everywhere(tm)." Since 1989, the OMG has been "Setting The Standards For Distributed Computing(tm)" through its mission to promote the theory and practice of object technology for the development of distributed computing systems. The goal is to provide a common architectural framework for object oriented applications based on widely available interface specifications. The OMG is headquartered in Framingham, MA, USA and has international marketing offices in Bahrain, Brazil, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, India and the UK, along with a healthcare representative in Pelham, AL, USA and a U.S. government representative in Washington, DC, USA. Additionally, the OMG is a sponsor of Ziff-Davis Trade Shows and Conferences in this technology area.

For information on joining the OMG or additional information, please contact OMG headquarters by phone at [phone], by fax at [phone], or by email at [e-mail]. The OMG provides current information and services for Distributed Object Computing through The Information Brokerage(R) on the World Wide Web at www.omg.org and at www.corba.org.

What Industry Leaders are Saying About the CORBA Component Model

(pre-approved quotes for use in articles)

"With the adoption of the CORBA Component Model, the open standards are now in place to permit companies to succeed in creating scalable, enterprise-class e-commerce applications. The CCM also provides a well-defined packaging scheme for vendors producing software components, meaning even non-programmers will be able to purchase and build custom applications based on components. BEA strongly endorses this new scalable, language- and vendor-independent component model, which includes Enterprise JavaBeans as an integral part of its architecture, as key to companies' e-commerce efforts."

-Ed Cobb, technical director, BEA Systems and editor of the CORBA Components specification submission to the OMG.

"The CCM gives C++ and Java developers the ability to quickly build web-enabled enterprise scale E-Commerce applications. Tight integration with EJB leverages CORBA's cross-platform and multiple-language capabilities. The synergy will enable Inprise to deliver solutions to our customers that will accelerate their deployment of high performance scaleable, integrated applications."

-Jeff Mischkinsky, senior architect, Inprise Corporation

"The CCM is a major step towards a component-based software environment. We are happy to have been able to support the submission. We are committed to standards and standards-based products. The CCM offers flexible solutions to our business needs."

-Hans-Peter Hoidn, associate director, UBS AG

"IONA Technologies is delighted to announce its full backing for the CCM specification. The CCM is the quantum leap that the industry is looking for. A cross platform, cross language superset of EJB, based on the proven industrial strength of CORBA, is the key to unlocking the next generation of application development and deployment. IONA will be at the front of the pack in delivering 'point and click' component middleware to the world."

-Chris Horn, chief executive officer, IONA Technologies

"Object Oriented Concepts, Inc., congratulates the OMG on the adoption of the CORBA Component Model specification. The addition of Components to CORBA 3.0 will enhance CORBA's already dominant place in the enterprise marketplace. OOC is firmly committed to implementing this technology in the ORBacus(tm) product family."

-Marc Laukien, president and founder, OOC

"The new CORBA Component Model represents the greatest single technical leap forward for OMG since the introduction of CORBA itself. What CORBA did for standardizing and component interfaces and requests, CCM does for component packaging and deployment -- in any language, and on any platform. Coming from a broad-based organization like OMG, this should open the floodgates for a new world-wide market in commercial components."

-Michael Guttman, CTO, Genesis Development Corporation

"Rogue Wave Software is proud to be one of the authors of the CORBA Component Object Model specification. This is an example of our firm commitment to CORBA and the OMG. We see our customers and our products continuing to embrace CORBA as they move to the Internet."

-Patrick Thompson, lead architect, Rogue Wave Software

"The application development community has been enthusiastic about the benefits of simplified, scalable, multi-tier development provided by the Java 2 platform and Enterprise JavaBeans technology. Now, the CORBA component model extends those benefits to multiple languages on the proven, standard CORBA framework. The CCM specification assures enterprises that solutions based on Enterprise JavaBeans components will integrate with the great variety of languages and platforms that support CORBA technology, including legacy platforms."

-Ralph Galantine, senior product manager, CORBA Technologies at Sun Microsystems

"As an active contributor to the development of the CORBA Component Model Specification, we are very pleased to see it completed and released. Expersoft, now part of Vertel Corporation, has been pioneering the development of carrier class CORBA infrastructure to support telecommunications applications. A component-based model is fundamental to meet the stringent scalability, manageability and reliability requirements demanded in these environments. Our customers who are implementing large scale telecommunications systems need to utilize application components from various sources, integrating a variety of technologies."

-Tom Greene, VP Engineering, Vertel Corporation

"As a supporter of the CORBA Component Model submission, Fujitsu is very pleased with OMG's announcement that the CORBA Component Model specification was approved by Object Request Broker Task Force. We contributed to the Persistent State Service 2.0 specification, which is the database function referenced by the CORBA Component Model. In addition, we are already supporting component technology with Enterprise JavaBeans in our INTERSTAGE CORBA-based enterprise application server middleware. We expect that the CORBA Component Model will improve Java and CORBA integration and consistency in our product."

-Mitsuru Sanagi, general manager of the Strategic Planning Division, Strategy and Planning Group, Fujitsu Limited

"The approval of the CORBA Component Model is a crucial step in the continuing advancement of open component technology. CCM expands CORBA's possibilities and gives companies the advantages inherent in other accepted platforms such as COM. The interoperability of this model and the broad support from the industry is exactly what our customers need to build powerful electronic business applications that leverage their investments in a variety of component sources."

-Sridhar Iyengar, Unisys Fellow and chief technologist, Unisys Object Management Programs

Note to editors: CORBA(R), The Information Brokerage(R), CORBA Academy(R), and the Object Management Group logo(R) are registered trademarks of the Object Management Group. OMG(tm), Object Management Group(tm), the CORBA Logo(tm), ORB(tm), Object Request Broker(tm), the CORBA Academy logo(tm) IIOP(tm), XMI(tm), MOF(tm), OMG Interface Definition Language(tm), IDL(tm), CORBAservices(tm), CORBAfacilities(tm), CORBAmed(tm), CORBAnet(tm), UML(tm), the UML Cube Logo(tm), and Unified Modeling Language(tm) are trademarks of the Object Management Group. Java(tm), Enterprise JavaBeans(tm), and EJB(tm) are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. All other products or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only, and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Note: This release is available for download at http://www.omg.org/news/pr99.html