DCOM vs. RPC

Attribute	DCOM	RPC
Definition	Distributed Component Object Model	Remote Procedure Call
Communication	Object-oriented	Procedure-oriented
Platform	Windows	Platform-independent
Interface	Interface-based	Function-based
Security	Supports authentication and encryption	May require additional security measures

Introduction

DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model) and RPC (Remote Procedure Call) are both technologies used for communication between distributed systems. While they serve similar purposes, there are key differences in their attributes that make them suitable for different scenarios. In this article, we will compare the attributes of DCOM and RPC to help you understand when to use each technology.

Interoperability

One of the key differences between DCOM and RPC is their interoperability. DCOM is a Microsoft-specific technology that is primarily used in Windows environments. It relies on Microsoft's COM (Component Object Model) for communication between components. On the other hand, RPC is a more generic technology that is not tied to any specific platform. It can be used in a variety of environments, including Windows, Unix, and Linux.

Performance

When it comes to performance, RPC is generally considered to be faster than DCOM. This is because RPC is a lightweight protocol that is designed for efficiency. It has minimal overhead, which makes it ideal for high-performance applications where speed is crucial. DCOM, on the other hand, has more overhead due to its reliance on COM. This can impact performance, especially in scenarios where large amounts of data need to be transferred between components.

Security

Security is another important aspect to consider when comparing DCOM and RPC. DCOM has built-in security features that allow for secure communication between components. It supports authentication and encryption, which helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. RPC, on the other hand, does not have built-in security features. It relies on the underlying network protocols for security, which may not be sufficient in all scenarios. As a result, additional security measures may need to be implemented when using RPC.

Programming Model

The programming model for DCOM and RPC also differs. DCOM provides a more high-level programming model that abstracts away many of the details of communication between components. This makes it easier for developers to build distributed applications without having to worry about low-level networking protocols. RPC, on the other hand, requires developers to have a deeper understanding of networking concepts. It provides a more low-level programming model that gives developers more control over the communication process.

Scalability

When it comes to scalability, both DCOM and RPC have their strengths and weaknesses. DCOM is well-suited for scenarios where components are running on the same network and need to communicate frequently. It provides a rich set of features for managing distributed objects and handling complex interactions between components. RPC, on the other hand, is better suited for scenarios where components are running on different networks and need to communicate over the internet. It is more lightweight and can be easily scaled to support a large number of clients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DCOM and RPC are both valuable technologies for building distributed systems. While DCOM is more tightly integrated with Windows environments and provides a higher-level programming model, RPC is more platform-agnostic and offers better performance. When choosing between DCOM and RPC, it is important to consider factors such as interoperability, performance, security, programming model, and scalability to determine which technology is best suited for your specific requirements.