Object Request Broker

What Does Object Request Broker Mean?

An object request broker (ORB) is a middleware application component that uses the common object request broker architecture (CORBA) specification, enabling developers to make application calls within a computer network. ORB is an agent that transmits client/server operation invocations in a distributed environment and ensures transparent object communication.

Advertisements

ORB supports a wide variety of middleware services, including but not limited to notification, event triggers, transaction processing, persistence and security. ORB can be configured to fit into a variety of environments and handle a wide range of client requests. Thus, developers can modify ORB to meet task requirements for inbound client requests.

Techopedia Explains Object Request Broker

ORB does the following:

  • Searches, matches and instantiates remote machine objects
  • Gathers parameters between application objects
  • Handles security issues across machine boundaries
  • Retrieves and publishes data objects on local machines available for other ORBs
  • Invokes remote object methods using static and dynamic method invocation.
  • Instantiates idle objects automatically
  • Routes callback methods
  • Communicates Inter-ORB Protocol (IIOP) with other ORBs via the Internet

Developers should handle ORB with knowledge and care when applied as a solution to recurring distributed environment issues. If handled incorrectly, issues may intensify. The disadvantages of ORB include:

  • Lack of asynchronous transaction support
  • Lack of nonobject-oriented legacy application integration support
  • Lack of standard ORB implementation in CORBA standard

Microsoft has developed proprietary ORB approaches in the Common Object Model (COM) and Distributed Common Object Model (DCOM).

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Hardware Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…