An evaluation of distributed computing options for a rule-based approach to black-box software component integration

This paper presents an evaluation of distributed object computing technology and the manner in which such tools can be used to construct a distributed framework for active rule processing. The results are presented in the context of the Integration Rules (IRules) project, which is investigating the middle-tier, rule processing technology necessary for the use of declarative, active rules in the integration of distributed, black-box components. Assuming the use of Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs) for component interfaces, we provide an evaluation of the event and transaction processing features of CORBA compared to the same capabilities using Jini Connection Technology. Through the simulation of integration rules, we identify the event and transaction processing issues that must be considered in the construction of distributed architectures for the interconnection of EJB components. The results of this investigation are being used to develop a general purpose, distributed rule processing architecture for integration rules within the IRules project.