COM is an industry standard for programming with objects. It is essentially dealing with objects as part of running programs. COM approach of Object Oriented with its concept of interface will be important in the future of all software on windows.

STEP is the last ISO standard for CAD data, but also process plans, part management, assembly etc.. CAD systems will have to use STEP in the next years. STEP is also Object Oriented but with a different approach.

There are already some experiences to conciliate both approach. Two main approach. The first gives an early binding to a specific Application protocol AP203 . The second offer a late binding access to all STEP data.

Early Binding to AP203 .

This is done to give access to STEP models through the Internet. Note that interfaces are not specified as COM interfaces.

IDL Interfaces for AP203 AR . Top entry to the project is at RPI : STEP Data Services For The Industrial Virtual Enterprise.

STEP Part26 IDL binding for SDAI

Online specifications are available here .

AIT and RISESTEP

This idea of IDL and interface based protocols is reused in RISESTEP (EP20451 ).

Contact pierre.huguet@siege.aerospatiale.fr

RISESTEP is based on the AIT initiative see information sites at British Aerospace

Note again that this is more based on CORBA than on OLE

PDMIC

Interesting article covering this concern. http://www.pdmic.com/articles/artIPD2.html