Abstract: A Component-based Software Distribution Channel allows Component Service Providers (10) to advertise component services via a Service Directory (12) to service developers. The component services are advertised in a format which encapsulates a legally binding contract which must be accepted before the components may be incorporated into a client service. The service developer may combine together a number of different component services to create a combined client service. That service may be announced in a Session Directory (16) in an encapsulated format which incorporates a legally binding agreement which must be accepted by a client before the resultant session may be accessed.