40 Chapter 5. Objects as Software Components Object technology is not just another variety of programming language--it is a grand opportunity to redefine the entire process of software construction. The pioneers of commercial objects envisioned an industrial revolution for software that would bring an end to the handcrafting of monolithic appli- cations and replace it with the assembly of software systems from pluggable components. This is a magnificent vision, but, of all the promises of object technology, it appears to be the furthest from being realized. This chapter takes a critical look at both the potential and the problems of objects as software components. The conclusions that result are a prescription both for corporate devel- opers and the object industry as a whole. A New Industrial Revolution In Chapter 1, I argued that we need to set higher goals for objects rather than simply improving the construction of conventional applications. After 50 years of slow, incremental improvements in de- velopment tools and techniques, it's time to recognize that the accepted approach to software de-