MatchMaker" Synchronising Objects in Replicated Software-Architectures

In this paper, we present an approach and an existing implementation to support the object-wise synchronisation of general software entities. The software toolkit “MatchMaker ” allows for synchronising already existing software applications by plugging in transparent event listener mechanisms that distribute information via a central server to other remote applications. Based on the original approach that has been presented in 1995, the current implementation of “MatchMaker ” serves as the communication basis in real world applications of three computer-integrated classrooms in Europe. Current developments are oriented towards the integration of promising technologies in the field of distributed computing. The main goal of “MatchMaker ” is the provision of powerful yet easy applicable high-level API for synchronising distributed objects. 1