---

1.4.1 Built on a Reliable Foundation

   The basic technologies for a component software architecture have existed 
   for some time, scattered throughout the industry.  These technologies 
   include the following: 

   °   Dynamic linking 

   °   Object messaging among components 

   °   Network-capable scripting and workflow automation 

   °   Persistent object storage. 


   Beginning in the Fall of 1993, leaders in the software industry began 
   discussing the need for a fully open, platform-neutral component software 
   architecture.  These leaders agreed that a set of specifications to 
   integrate and build upon existing technology is necessary to achieve such 
   an architecture. 

   Component Integration Laboratories, Inc. (CI Labs) is a non-profit 
   organization founded by Apple Computer, Inc., IBM Corporation, and Novell 
   Inc.'s WordPerfect Applications Group.  CI Labs provides the technological 
   specifications and foundation technology for developing and integrating 
   component software through the OpenDoc architecture. 

IBM BookManager® BookServer Copyright 1989, 1999 IBM Corporation. All rights reserved.