Comparative evaluation of object request broker technologies

Abstract

Summary form only given. Corba, Java RMI, and WebServices are among the most popular object request broker technologies. These technologies have allowed replacing message-based network collaboration with method invocations through remote object calls over network clusters. We propose several criteria for evaluating and comparing distributed object computing technologies. Empirical criteria include performance, memory management, scalability, load balancing, fault-tolerance, fail-over and clustering. Qualitative criteria include maintainability, testability, repeatability, ease of learning, and portability. We use these criteria to empirically and qualitatively evaluate and compare Corba, Java RMI, and WebServices. The results of the study indicate that no technology can be used as a perfect solution to all problems in distributed object software. For example, Corba is superior when load balancing is used, while Java RMI is the best technology to use when rapid deployment and development are required, while WebServices are the best solution for scalability and portability.