Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Component Object Model
     
         (COM) An open software architecture from {DEC}
        and {Microsoft}, allowing interoperation between
        {ObjectBroker} and {OLE}.  Microsoft evolved COM into {DCOM}.
     
        On page XV of Box's book in the foreword by Charlie Kindel he
        says, "It is Mark Ryland's fault that some people call COM the
        'Common Object Model.'  He deeply regrets it and apologizes
        profusely."
     
        ["Essential COM", Don Box].
     
        [Details?  URL?]
     
        (1999-06-12)