This chapter describes the implementation of COM on Tru64 UNIX. While there are differences between COM on its native Windows NT platform and on Tru64 UNIX, COM users from NT will find the Tru64 UNIX implementation remarkably close to their environment.

This part does not describe how to use COM on the Tru64 UNIX platform. That information is too specific to the platform and, since Compaq ships documentation free with the COM for Tru64 UNIX product, it is more appropriate for you to download the software, use the documentation, and see for yourself.

The documentation for COM on Tru64 UNIX describes how to install and use the COM run-time, and discusses the idiosyncrasies of compiling, building, and registering COM applications on the Tru64 UNIX platform.

You can view the Tru64 UNIX COM documentation at

• www.tru64unix.compaq.com/com/

The COM for Tru64 UNIX product also contains a demonstration software package that illustrates the use of COM across heterogeneous platforms of NT clients and UNIX and OpenVMS servers. The software is very similar to the demonstration software included with this book and described in the COM demo CD-ROM appendix. In both cases, the demonstration software simulates an order entry and inventory system in a multi-tier environment with components that operate across the platforms.