Importance

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Abstract

A number of methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing a service in a distributed object operating environment. According to some embodiments of the present invention, methods and apparatus for providing a conspiracy among objects in a object operating environment are disclosed. In particular, conspiracies within a distributed object operating environment are contemplated. In general, the present invention teaches mechanisms by which a collection of objects can form a conspiracy wherein objects can both communicate behind the object interfaces and share all resources. In some embodiments, the collection of objects work together to provide a service to clients. According to one embodiment, the objects which are members of the conspiracy may be distributed objects located in separate processes. In some embodiments, objects which are members of the conspiracy are able to perform interactions with one another behind the interface (i.e. without having to communicate through the interface) and also share persistent state. Three specific embodiments of the present invention are described, these being (1) a shared servant conspiracy model, (2) a shared object conspiracy model, and (3) a hybrid object conspiracy model. Each of these embodiments incorporates the conspiracy concept of the present invention yet they each have particular advantages which will be apparent upon reading the detailed description of the figures.

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First Claim