Introduction

Abstract

The software industry over the past ten years has been actively using object technology in building effective desktops for end user computing. This use has also been taken up by software package builders (word processors, spreadsheets and general applications). The benefits acquired are seen in terms of increased productivity and the ability to reuse components to enhance products, in order to meet new demands from the users. The problem is that object technology has made little impact on the core applications which support businesses in carrying out their tasks. The reasons for this may be as a result of:

• The business community having little confidence in innovative concepts and new technology.

• The business community taking a short term view that their investment in existing systems adequately meets their day to day business operations.

• Major suppliers of business solutions have not appreciated the power of object technology in terms of productivity and maintainability.