Is there any alternate way to supply similar functions as COM does?

Question

Window's COM allow us to wrap our application function for out-of-process invocation. If the COM interfaces are well defined and design, it is certainly great to consume the services via scripts and any programming platform that support COM/Automation/Active-X.

I am just wondering if there exist any alternate methods to design of what COM does? Or something close or similar methodology?

I am using Delphi in Win32 platform.

Answer 1

Corba
or
IBM's SOM

I'm sure there are others as well but those are the 2 others i can think of off the top of my head ...

Answer 2

I'm not entirely sure, but it seems that you're talking about an alternate to COM for creating plug-ins for your software?

If so, there are myriad options:

• TMS Software's Plugin Framework
• RemObject's Hydra
• Project JEDI's JVCL includes a plugin system

You can also roll your own. I wrote an article many years ago that provides the fundamentals (though the linked source is long since gone to the great bit bucket in the sky).

Answer 3

If you want a TCP/IP (over the internet or over a LAN) interface for your objects, consider SOAP, and REST.

If you want to write plugins for your delphi app and not use COM/OLE-Automation, consider RemObjects SDK.