Distributed object computing is a computing paradigm that allows objects to be distributed across a heterogeneous network and allows each of the components to interoperate as a unified whole. To an application built in a distributed object environment, and as expressed in Sun Microsystem's slogan, the network is the computer. ™ Objects interact by passing messages to each other. These messages represent requests for information or services. During any given interaction, objects will dynamically assume the roles of clients and servers.