COTS-based OO-component approach for software inter-operability and reuse (software systems engineering methodology)

The purpose of this research and study paper is to provide a summary description and results of rapid development accomplishments at NASA/JPL in the area of advanced distributed computing technology using a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf(COTS)-based object-oriented component approach to open inter-operable software systems development and software reuse (i.e., COTS-based software components in action). Distributed COTS middleware (such as CORBA ACE-TAO) coupled with a well-defined layered software architecture can be used to support infrastructure development for object-oriented component technology. It can provide a framework for component development, legacy incorporation, and reuse and inter-operability across Subsystems. With detailed systems engineering, it can reduce development, testing, and maintenance relative to life-cycle cost and time. This paper will 1) address what is meant by the terminology object-oriented (OO) component software and how object component technology can be used in scientific software development and operational environments, 2) give an overview of the component-based implementation strategy and how it relates to infrastructure support of software architectures promoting reuse/inter-operability, and 3) evaluate the benefits or lessons learned from this approach (such as complexity of integration and avoiding duplication or re-development efforts).