Component Object Model Last modified: Thursday, September 30, 2004
A software architecture developed by Microsoft to build component-based applications. COM objects are discrete components, each with a unique identity, which expose interfaces that allow applications and other components to access their features. COM objects are more versatile than Win32 DLLs because they are completely language-independent, have built-in interprocess communications capability, and easily fit into an object-oriented program design. COM was first released in 1993 with OLE2, largely to replace the interprocess communication mechanism DDE used by the initial release of OLE. ActiveX also is based on COM.
•E-mail this definition to a colleague• Sponsored listings Find Top COM Schools in Your Area - Request Free Info - Advance your career at top COM schools near you. Request free info today. For internet.com pages about Component Object Model . Also check out the following links! 15 Seconds Home Page  As one of the first sites devoted to the Active Server Community, 15 Seconds contains a wealth of information on many areas of Microsoft Web development technologies for all skill levels. Armstrong's WidgetWare.com This Windows developer's resource center contains links to FAQs, books, articles, and related Web resources for COM, OLE, ActiveX, MFC, and Win32. It is hosted by the author of several books on ActiveX and OLE.	Distributed Computing Object-Oriented Programming ActiveX ATL component component software DCOM interprocess communication (IPC) OLE OpenDoc SOM Give Us Your Feedback Shopping Component Object Model Products Compare Products,Prices and Stores Shop by Category: Books 12 Model Matches Software 0 Store Offers