Introduces computer professionals to the principles of distributed computer systems and their applications to real-world solutions, and compares the available distributed and object databases and distributed file systems, such as NFS, AFS, and DFS. The author explains advanced techniques for distributing shared data and transactions, and the role of CORBO, Java, RMI, DCOM, Orbix, VisiBroker, DSOM, and other object technologies. He concludes the book with practical solutions for managing complex distributed environments. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.