An architecture for next generation middleware

Blair, Gordon and Coulson, G and Robin, P and Papathomas, M (1998) An architecture for next generation middleware. In: Proceeding Middleware '98 Proceedings of the IFIP International Conference on Distributed Systems Platforms and Open Distributed Processing. Springer Verlag London Ltd, GODALMING, pp. 191-206. ISBN 1-85233-088-0

Abstract

This paper proposes an approach to the design of configurable and open middleware platforms based on the concept of reflection. More specifically, the paper introduces a language-independent reflective architecture featuring a perobject meta-space, the use of meta-models to structure meta-space, and a consistent use of object graphs for composite components. This is complemented by a component framework supporting the construction of meta-spaces. The paper also reports on experiences of implementing the architecture (with emphasis on experiments with open bindings).