Teaching Guide: Distributed Object Systems

Step 1: What is a Distributed Object System?

Definition:
A Distributed Object System is a system where objects on different networked machines communicate as if they were in the
same memory space. These objects interact through middleware, allowing seamless communication across different locations.

Why is This Important?

• It enables scalable and efficient applications in cloud computing, banking, and enterprise systems.

• It allows developers to write software that can run across multiple computers without worrying about the network.

Real-World Example:

• Banking systems: ATMs communicate with a bank's servers using distributed objects.

• E-commerce platforms: Different services (payment, inventory, orders) interact using distributed objects.

Step 2: Core Components of a Distributed Object System

Objects – Independent software components that interact across networks.

Middleware – The “bridge” that helps objects communicate (e.g., CORBA, DCOM).
Object Request Broker (ORB) – Handles requests from clients and forwards them to the appropriate object.
Communication Protocols – Standard methods for sending messages (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, IIOP).

Step 3: Common Distributed Object Technologies

1⃣ CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture)

Definition:
A middleware standard developed by the Object Management Group (OMG) to allow objects written in different languages (Java,
C++, Python) to communicate.

How CORBA Works:

• Uses an Object Request Broker (ORB) to handle client-server communication.

• Defines interfaces using IDL (Interface Definition Language).

• Supports horizontal services (e.g., messaging, naming, security).

Advantages:

• Language-independent (supports multiple programming languages).

• Works across different platforms and networks.

Disadvantages:

• Complex setup and maintenance.

• Can introduce network latency in communication.

2⃣ DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model)

 Definition:
DCOM is Microsoft’s solution for inter-process communication across computers in a Windows network.

Key Features:

• Uses Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) to invoke object methods remotely.

• Integrates with Active Directory for user authentication.

Advantages:

• Best for Windows environments.

• Strong security integration with Windows OS.

Disadvantages:

• Limited to Windows-only systems.

• Higher latency than lightweight communication methods.

3⃣ Globe System

Definition:
A research project that focuses on large-scale distributed object systems, designed for scalability and performance.

Key Features:

• Uses distributed shared objects across multiple locations.

• Supports replication and caching to improve response times.

Advantages:

• High scalability for wide-area networks (WANs).

• Efficient load balancing mechanisms.

Disadvantages:

• Still in experimental stages with limited adoption.

Step 4: Object Models in Distributed Systems

Client-Server Model – Objects reside on the server, and clients invoke them remotely.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Model – Objects are distributed equally among nodes.
Hybrid Model – Mix of client-server and P2P.

Real-World Example:

• A cloud storage system like Google Drive uses distributed objects to manage user files.

Step 5: Middleware in Distributed Object Systems

What is Middleware?
Middleware is software that helps different applications communicate, acting as a translator between different systems.
Common Middleware Technologies

Middleware Function Example

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Calls methods on remote servers gRPC

Message-Oriented Middleware (MOM) Handles message-based communication Apache Kafka

Object Request Broker (ORB) Manages object communications CORBA

Why is Middleware Important?

• Handles communication failures.

• Provides security and authentication.

• Ensures scalability and load balancing.

Step 6: Communication in Distributed Object Systems

Object Invocation Methods

1️⃣ Synchronous Invocation – The client waits for the server to process the request.
2⃣ One-Way Invocation – The client sends a request and does not wait for a response.
3️⃣ Deferred Synchronous Invocation – The client sends a request and checks later for the response.

Real-World Example:

• A bank transaction where a payment system waits for confirmation is a synchronous request.

• A WhatsApp message delivery notification is an asynchronous request.

Step 7: Caching & Replication in Distributed Objects

Caching – Stores frequently accessed objects closer to the user.

Replication – Creates multiple copies of an object to improve availability.

Example:

• Netflix stores popular movies in different regions to reduce buffering time for users.

Why This is Important?

• Improves performance by reducing response time.

• Ensures fault tolerance in case of system failures.

Step 8: Security in Distributed Object Systems

Common Security Measures:

Authentication – Verifies user identity (e.g., Login credentials).
Encryption – Protects data during transmission (e.g., SSL/TLS).
Access Control – Restricts who can use which objects.

Example:

• Online banking applications use encryption to protect transactions between clients and servers.
Teaching Script for Your Class

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we’ll talk about Distributed Object Systems. These are systems where objects can
communicate across different computers as if they were in the same place."

Step 1: Engage with a Question

"How does an ATM machine communicate with a bank’s server? It uses a distributed object system!"

Answer: "The ATM sends a request to a remote banking object, which processes the request and returns the response."

Step 2: Explain Core Concepts Simply

What is a Distributed Object System?

• "It’s a way to make objects communicate across multiple computers using middleware."

Common Technologies:

• CORBA (cross-platform).

• DCOM (Microsoft-based).

• Globe (designed for large-scale applications).

Step 3: Explain Middleware with an Activity

"Think of Middleware like a translator in a multilingual meeting."

"Middleware helps applications communicate, just like a translator helps people who speak different languages."

Step 4: Explain Benefits & Challenges

Benefits: Scalability, Fault Tolerance, Code Reusability.

⚠ Challenges: Network Latency, Security Risks, Complexity.

Step 5: Wrap Up with a Quiz

Question 1: What is an example of a distributed object system?

Answer: ATM machines, Online Banking, Cloud Storage.

Question 2: What is Middleware?

Answer: Software that enables communication between distributed objects.

Conclusion

"Distributed Object Systems power the modern world, from cloud computing to financial transactions. They make
applications scalable, secure, and efficient!"
 Summary of Key Takeaways

Topic Key Points

What is a Distributed Object System? A system where objects communicate over networks.

Common Technologies CORBA, DCOM, Globe.

Middleware Role Manages communication and security.

Invocation Methods Synchronous, Asynchronous, Deferred.

Advantages Scalability, Fault Tolerance, Performance.

Now You’re Ready to Teach with Confidence!

Use simple explanations, real-world examples, and an interactive approach.

Let me know if you need slides, diagrams, or more activities!