Abstract: A uniform object model integrates objects defined by foreign type systems into a single integrated object oriented system. The type system for the integrated object oriented system supports a superset of features from foreign object systems. The uniform object model approach converts foreign objects into uniform object model objects defined by the integrated type system and layers onto the uniform object model objects additional members supported by the integrated type system. Adapters integrate foreign objects and data sources into the integrated object oriented system by implementing foreign objects as full fledged objects of the system. The foreign object adapters are bi-directional such that objects, registered in the system, are exposed to foreign object systems. During run time, clients obtain a connection to the data source adapter, which supports the target data source, to execute transactions in the target data source.

Abstract: A class signature interface exposes members of an object class in an object oriented software system by exposing access information to the member. The class signature interface has application for use with object models that require client objects to utilize the functionality of server objects through interfaces, such as required by the Component Object Model (COM). Class signature interfaces expose interfaces supported by the object class to provide time constant access to the interfaces of the object class. The class signature interfaces also expose attributes and methods, defined directly on the class level. The class signature interface has further application for use in an object oriented software system to add additional class members to an object class without adding the class members to a separate interface.