Architecting CORBA-based frameworks to support distributed and interoperable training systems in large enterprises

Enterprise software systems are mainly distributed. Distribution promises better efficiency, scalability, and availability, specifically of large-scale systems. This is also true for the computer-based training systems used by training departments. This paper addresses interoperability and reusability issues that appear as a consequence of the heterogeneous nature of the resources used for training. We propose a CORBA-based framework to develop distributed object computing systems to support enterprise training. This proposal is based on ongoing work by institutions like the US Department of Defense and the aviation industry in the learning technology standardization area. Our framework also identifies open software interfaces among distributed components and a systematic methodology to develop new systems from them. Therefore, architects are provided with a software product line to develop standards-driven interoperable distributed training systems.