I recommend  [Szyperski97], both as an introduction to component-technology, and as a reference for more advanced readers. For an introduction to CORBA, you may read  [Siegel96]. A readable account of the ODMG standard is given in  [Cattell94]. For more information on Java, again, visit . For information on (D)COM, look at www.microsoft.com/com . Learning how to program CORBA applications is probably best learned from the manuals that come with your CORBA distribution. For an evaluation of object store management and naming schemes see  [Persistent].