The Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), developed and maintained by the Open Systems Foundation (now referred to as the Open Group), is an integrated distributed environment to solve application interoperability problems in heterogeneous, networked environments. The DCE infrastructure supports the construction and integration of client/server applications while attempting to hide the inherent complexity of the distributed processing from the user. Alternatives of the DCE include CORBA, COM/DCOM, and message-oriented middleware.
DCE is referred to as middleware because it is not a standalone product, but rather a bundle of services that are integrated into an operating system or operating environment. These services are used as an alternative approach to constructing distributed applications.
DCE services are organized into two categories:
- Fundamental distributed services provide tools for software developers to create the end-user services needed for distributed computing such as Remote Procedure Call, Directory Service, time service, Thread service. etc.
- Data-sharing services provide end users with capabilities built upon the fundamental distributed services. These services require no programming on the part of the end user and facilitate better use of information such as distributed file system and diskless support.
DCE: Distributed Computing Environment
Related Terms: Middleware, RPC, COM/DCOM, COBRA