More About Java and COM Integration

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Security Implications

Java applets running within a Web browser are restricted in several ways for security reasons. The term used to describe these restrictions is "sandboxing." These restrictions include not allowing applets to call into native code and not calling Java classes that cannot be verified by the Java bytecode verifier.

The ability to call into arbitrary COM objects from Java, either locally or remotely, is calling native code and is thus disabled for applets. However, through secure digital signatures, an applet can be verified as coming from a trusted source if it is digitally signed and can make COM calls.

Be aware that these rules apply only to Java applets, not Java applications or other non-downloadable Java components.