Distributed wisdom: Toward next-generation middleware?

A large range of application domains, from real-time embedded systems to grid-computing applications, requires distribution. A distribution model used is a set of mechanisms to handle distribution such as distributed object computing, remote procedure call, and message passing. Middleware specifications such as Cobra or Java Message Service propose the API and protocols to support these models. Middleware aims to unify and ease the development of an application on top of a distribution model as general as possible.