O A| B| C| D| E| F| G| H| I| J| K| L| M| N| O| P| Q| R| S| T| U| V| W| X| Y| Z| Numerical Listing| Object In its simplest terms, it means nothing more than "thing" or "entity." In the world of object-oriented programming and database, it signifies an instance of a class, such as "IBM" being an instance of the class "hardware vendor." The unit of information interchange in third-generation office systems. An object contains both content and semantics describing how the content is to be interpreted or operated on. Object Class A grouping of objects that can be described in terms of the attributes its members have in common. Generic electronic mail is a class. All electronic mail systems have certain things in common. WordPerfect documents are a class. Object Data Model A data model based on object-oriented programming, associating methods (procedures) with objects that can benefit from class hierarchies. Thus, "objects" are levels of abstraction that include attributes and behavior. An object-oriented data model is one that extends the individual program space into the world of persistent object management and shareability. Object Encapsulation Hiding complexity. Data and procedures may be encapsulated to produce a single object. In products like NewWave, Metaphor and DECdecision, old packages may be encapsulated to make them well-behaved objects. Object Inheritance The transfer of characteristics down a hierarchy from one class to another. A particular instance of a Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet on DOS has inherited the characteristics of 1-2-3 spreadsheets in general. All 1-2-3 spreadsheets have inherited certain characteristics of all spreadsheets. All spreadsheets have inherited certain characteristics of all DOS programs. In traditional development, this occurs via brute force. In a true object-oriented environment, a developer creating a new spreadsheet package would start by having it automatically inherit characteristics from a previous spreadsheet package. TOP OF PAGE Object Instance A specific occurrence of an object. For example, a specific mail message from Betty to Sue is an instance; a specific WordPerfect document is an instance. Object Late Binding Run-time interpretation of messages. Using late binding, objects are integrated at run time, as opposed to compiling an integrated object. This greatly enhances flexibility. Object Management Middleware that manages the naming, location and invocation of objects in a system. Object Message Passing In object-oriented systems, one object never operates on another. Instead, one object may pass a message to another object requesting invocation of a method — e.g., "print yourself," "display yourself," or "file yourself." Object Method Methods define what can be done with an object. Methods for an electronic mail document may be display, send, file, or print. Object Orientation An umbrella concept used to describe a suite of technologies that enable software products which are highly modular and reusable; applications, data, networks and computing systems are treated as objects that can be mixed and matched flexibly rather than as components of a system with built-in relationships. As a result, an application need not be tied to a specific system nor data to a specific application. The four central object-oriented concepts are encapsulation, message passing, inheritance and late binding. Object-Oriented System In an object-oriented system, all data is represented as discrete objects with which the user and other objects may interact. Each object contains data as well as information about the executable file needed to interpret that data. An object-oriented system allows the user to focus completely on tasks rather than tools. Examples of object-oriented programming language include C++, Objective C and Smalltalk. Object Technology Object technology refers to objects, whether object-oriented or object-based. OCA (Object Content Architecture) The definition of the components, or object, containing the data that comprises the document information carried by a Mixed Object: Document Content Architecture (MO:DCA) data stream. TOP OF PAGE OC-N (Optical Carrier at Rate N) The range of incremental rates defined for SONET-based fiber-optic transmission. A SONET/SDH term identifying the place in the hierarchy or speed of such a channel (e.g., OC-3 is 155 Mbps). OCR (Optical Character Recognition) The ability of a computer to recognize written characters through some optical-sensing device and pattern recognition software. ODA (Open Document Architecture) An international standard that enables users to exchange texts and graphics generated on different types of office products. ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) An vendor-neutral interface, based on the SQL Access Group specifications, announced by Microsoft in December 1991, that accesses data in a heterogeneous environment of relational and nonrelational databases. ODBMS (Object Database Management System) A database management systems product incorporating the principles of the object data model. ODIF (Open Document Interchange Format) Defines the Open Document Architecture format of an interchange in terms of interchanged data elements. ODMG (Object Database Management Group) A group of object-oriented database management systems vendors assisting the Object Management Group in defining object standards. TOP OF PAGE OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Usually refers not to the manufacturer of a device, but to the system integrator that resells the device as part of a system. Sometimes used as a verb, as in "Company B is going to OEM Company A’s drive," this means that Company A will manufacture the drive and Company B will integrate it into a system. Office-Compound Document Support Support for the input, storage, retrieval, display and modification of compound document information (text, graphics, image). Office-Facsimile Gateway The ability to send, and optionally receive, E-mail messages to (from) fax users, including the conversion of transmitted text and graphics, and, if receiving is supported, the display and printing of received images. It should provide standard fax features, such as deferred mailing, automatic redialing and broadcasting. Office-Live Links A facility that maintains linkage pointers between related elements in a compound document information file. The modification of one occurrence of the element results in automatic modification of other occurrences in other documents or tables. Office-WP Availability at the midrange system of a full-function word processing system for the entry and manipulation of text information. Preferably a compatible capability would be available for PC desktop devices. OfficeVision The name for IBM’s systems application architecture -office program, introduced in May 1989. It will provide a common user interface across the various IBM office systems and will remove from IBM’s office systems the old stigma of poor usability. The front-end systems is the PS/2 with OS/2 EE; the back-end system is based on MVS/ESA, VM, OS/400 or a PS/2-based server. OIS (Office Information System) The architectural reference frame for the construction of an office solution that meets the needs that originate at all levels (individual, departmental and corporate), integrating them in a functional sense. TOP OF PAGE OLAP (On-Line Analytical Processing) A definition of multidimensional business intelligence servers that originated with a Codd and Date white paper which lined 12 "OLAP product-evaluation rules" as the basis for selecting multidimensional products. OLAP is in truth only a new name for a class of business intelligence products, some of which have existed for two decades. The 12 evaluation rules for providing OLAP to user-analysts are: 1. Multidimensional conceptual view 2. Transparency 3. Accessibility 4. Consistent reporting performance 5. Client/server architecture 6. Generic dimensionality 7. Dynamic sparse matrix handling 8. Multiuser support 9. Unrestricted cross-dimensional operations 10. Intuitive data manipulation 11. Flexible reporting 12. Unlimited dimensions and aggregation levels OLCP (On-Line Complex Processing) An extension of on-line transaction processing (OLTP) to include concurrent ad hoc query and batch processing. OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) A Microsoft protocol that enables creation of compound documents with embedded links to applications, so that a user does not have to switch from one application to another to make revisions. With OLE: • It is easy for users to create compound documents using multiple applications. • Compound documents may contain text and spreadsheet objects, graphic and chart objects, sound objects, and video and animated objects. • Objects that support OLE automation may be scripted by OLE controllers such as Visual Basic and used in end-user-developed applications. TOP OF PAGE OLTP (On-Line Transaction Processing) A mode of processing characterized by short transactions recording business events that normally requires high availability and consistent, short response-times. A category of application that requires that a request for service be answered within a predictable period that approaches real time. Unlike traditional mainframe data processing, in which data is processed only at specific times, transaction processing puts terminals on-line, where they can update the database instantly to reflect changes as they occur. In other words, the data processing models the actual business in real time, and a transaction transforms this model from one business state to another. Tasks such as making reservations, scheduling and inventory control are especially complex; all the information must be current. OLTP Monitor (On-line Transaction Processing Monitor) Midrange system software designed to enhance the efficiency of on-line transaction processing applications by providing screen mapping, transaction queuing, service prioritization, communications buffering and security. OLTP Screen Formatting Front-End A cooperative processing facility that offloads screen formatting from a midrange system-resident on-line transaction processing system to an MS-DOS PC. The application programmer should be able to define a single set of screen formatting maps without regard to whether the formatting is performed at the midrange system or at the PC. OMG (Object Management Group) A group, primarily of vendors, set up in 1990 to foster common definitions, understanding, and standards for object-oriented computing. It currently has more than 100 members. TOP OF PAGE On-Line Documentation A consistent, system-supplied mechanism for on-line documentation of system and application programs, including provision of such documentation for vendor-provided software. On-Line Processor Hardware Replacement Replacement of failed processor components without disrupting system operation. OO (Object-Oriented) A methodology that combines objects together to produce a fully written software application. OODBMS (Object-Oriented Database Management System) A database management system that takes the concepts of object-oriented programming, and applies them to the management of persistent objects on behalf of multiple users, with capabilities for security, integrity, recovery and contention management. A DBMS based on the principles of "objects," namely abstract data types, classes, inheritance mechanisms, polymorphism, dynamic binding and message passing. OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) A style of programming characterized by the identification of classes of objects closely linked with the methods (functions) with which they are associated. It also includes ideas of inheritance of attributes and methods. A technique based on a mathematical discipline called "Abstract Data Types," for storing data with the procedures needed to process that data. OOP offers the potential to evolve programming to a higher level of abstraction. TOP OF PAGE OpenCIM Hewlett-Packard’s open-system manufacturing initiative that serves as an umbrella for products like OpenMFG, HP’s Unix-based MRP II software. OpenLook An X Windows-based graphical user interface developed primarily by Sun Microsystems. Open Client/Open Server A product (and set of interfaces) marketed by Sybase that allows for gateways to foreign information environments. It is flexible, and licensable, but still proprietary, and thus not open. Open System A system whose interfaces (e.g., application programming interfaces or protocols) conform to formal, multilateral, generally available industry standards. "Formal" implies that the standard is selected and maintained using a structured, public process (i.e., de facto standards, such as those developed by Unix International or the Open Software Foundation). "Multilateral" implies that, while nothing is ever completely vendor-neutral, the standard is not controlled by a single vendor. "Generally available" implies that the specifications are fully published (preferably with source code of a reference implementation), and that anyone can readily obtain license rights for free or at low cost. TOP OF PAGE Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) A standard approach to network design developed by the International Standards Organization (ISO) that introduces modularity by dividing the complex set of functions into more manageable, self-contained, functional slices. Operating Lease A lease agreement that does not meet any of the criteria of a capital lease as defined by FASB 13 (Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 13). Optical Disk A disk read or written by light, generally laser light; such a disk may store video, audio, or digital data. ORB (Object Request Broker) A "standard" defined by the Object Management Group that allows centralized communication among networked objects. OS (Operating System) The operating system is the main control program that runs a computer and sets the standard for running application programs. It is the first program loaded when the computer is turned on, and it resides in memory at all times. It may be developed by the computer vendor or by a third party independent software vendor. OS/2 Operating System/2. OS/2 is the IBM operating system (developed by Microsoft). It is a revolutionary advance over PC-DOS, not evolutionary; it is the enabler for the transition of the desktop to a real computing environment — i.e., capabilities for large memory, multitasking and virtual machines. OS/2 EE Operating System/2 Extended Edition. OS/2 EE is IBM’s proprietary operating system for the PS/2, which features integrated communications and database facilities. We consider it the key to IBM’s OfficeVision strategy. TOP OF PAGE OS/2 SE Operating System/2 Standard Edition. The IBM operating system (developed by Microsoft) for the PS/2. OS/2 represents a revolutionary (not evolutionary) advance over PC-DOS, and is the enabler for the transition of the desktop to a real computing environment, i.e., capabilities for large memory, multitasking and virtual machines. It also bundles database and communications facilities. OS/400 (Operating System/400) The operating system for IBM’s AS/400. OSF (Open Software Foundation) A consortium formed to develop formal, multivendor standards. Its founding members included IBM, Digital, Hewlett Packard, Apollo Computer (since acquired by HP), Siemens-Nixdorf and Groupe Bull. OSF was founded in reaction to the pact between AT&T and Sun Microsystems to develop a Unix standard that favored Sun’s hardware. Its role has since evolved to address issues of common technology beyond Unix environments. OSF DCE Advanced File Service An implementation of the Open Software Foundation (OSF) Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) advanced file service interoperable with OSF’s DCE Executive and Advanced File Service implementations. OSF DCE Directory Service An implementation of the Open Software Foundation (OSF) Distributed Computing Environment directory service interoperable with OSF’s Distributed Computing Environment Executive and Directory Service implementations. TOP OF PAGE OSF DCE RPC (Remote Procedure Call) Support for interoperability with remote client and server applications using the Open Software Foundation Distributed Computing Environment remote procedure call protocols, including Network Interface Definition Language support for local server and client applications. OSF DCE Security Service An interoperable implementation of OSF’s DCE Executive and Security Service implementations. OSF/1 The first Open Software Foundation operating system, based on Carnegie-Mellon’s Mach kernel and announced October 1990 and shipped in 1992. Though it is a step in the right direction to unify the many flavors of Unix, convergence is far off. It is also unclear that vendors will abandon their own Unix for OSF/1. OSF/Motif The user interface developed by the Open Software Foundation. It is based on Digital Equipment Corp.’s graphical user interface (GUI) toolkit, with a look and feel ported by Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft from Presentation Manager. It conforms to the X Windows standard. An implementation of the Motif GUI as defined by the Open Software Foundation Application Environment Specification User Environment Volume and Motif Style Guide. TOP OF PAGE OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) A model developed by the International Standards Organization for communications. It is similar in structure to SNA, but more open. It consists of seven layers: application, presentation, session, transport, network, data link and physical. OSI is becoming popular as an international standard and has been gaining momentum in the United States as well, with most vendors (including IBM) committing support for OSI standards. A standard approach to network design developed by the International Standards Organization that introduces modularity by dividing the complex set of functions into more manageable, self-contained, functional slices. OSI FTAM Support for Open Systems Interconnection File Transfer, Access and Management protocols verified under the Corporation for Open Systems Mark program. OSI X.400 Support for Open Systems Interconnection X.400 Message Handling System protocols verified under the Corporation for Open Systems Mark program. TOP OF PAGE OSQL (Object Structured Query Language) An extension to SQL pioneered by MCC and delivered by Hewlett-Packard. It provides object management capabilities to the SQL relational language. Comments? Questions? Entire contents Copyright © 1997, 1998 by Gartner Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this publication in any form without prior written permission is forbidden. Please read the guidelines for customer use of GartnerGroup intellecual property.