The Long Journey of Object Linking and Embedding (ole) Technologies
It all started out as cut-copy-paste commands in a Graphical User Interface that significantly simplified creation of complex documents with text, tables, charts, graphics and so on. Microsoft soon realized the limitations of this arrangement and launched OLE version 1.0 that facilitated embedded objects and linked objects within a document. OLE significantly enhanced creation of compound documents as a double click on the embedded/ linked object would lead to the original editor within seconds.
Soon the developers of Microsoft realized the immense possibilities with OLE if implemented by a custom software company. They decided to use the OLE technology for extending functionalities of an application, by calling other software elements as plug-ins, without needing extra coding or planning. And hence, OLE technology etched a unique place for any software solution company.
Soon after, Microsoft launched OLE version 2.0 that also incorporated a vast infrastructure that could support several software components as plug-ins, just like a compound document contains variety of objects, like a container, without needing to modify the container.
Microsoft continued to add to the existing OLE version in terms of newer technologies, like shell extensions, distributed COM and Active X technologies, but never came up with version 3.0.
However, in the era of online software development, OLE has grown beyond the purview of a specific technology. It is no more dependent upon Microsoft for its extension and wide use. OLE architecture, in the context of contemporary online software development, is more driven by Object Oriented principles that encourage reusability. From the rigid boundaries of specific purpose software, OLE has now moved on to become an architecture that encourages reusability and accommodates both old and new technologies with equal ease for the benefit of any software solution company.
As a result, any custom software company utilizes the benefits of OLE technology extensively to build a complex integrated software application that takes care of all the requirements of its client with minimal efforts.
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