Building distributed web applications is a wide-ranging topic, covering a variety of technologies and techniques. Windows DNA is the name given to the combination of traditional n-tier architecture with the intrinsic Windows 2000 services, including COM+, MSMQ, and Active Directory. Using this architecture, you can design and build scalable enterprise-level distributed applications on the Windows 2000 platform.

This book takes an in-depth look at the DNA architecture, focusing on fitting the pieces of the puzzle together. Each of the logical tiers is examined, with particular emphasis placed on the features COM+ contains to make component building simpler and more powerful.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is for anyone involved with building distributed web applications that want to see the bigger picture. As such the book assumes a working knowledge of VB and ASP in places, but the emphasis is not so much on the code as on where each of the pieces fit into the puzzle. It's designed to give you an idea of how each area or technology affects you, enabling you to make informed decisions about whether to pursue a subject further, or confidently assert that you can do without it.

Summary of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Why Do We Need DNA?
Chapter 2: What Is Windows DNA, Anyway?
Chapter 3: The Component Object Model
Chapter 4: Distributed Processing
Chapter 5: Business Objects
Chapter 6: COM+ Architecture
Chapter 7: Building COM+ Components
Chapter 8: Introduction to Transactions
Chapter 9: Building Asynchronous Applications
Chapter 10: COM+ Events
Chapter 11: More Business Object Issues
Chapter 12: Interoperability for the Web - SOAP
Chapter 13: Universal Data Access
Chapter 14: SQL Server 2000
Chapter 15: Windows 2000 Directory Services
Chapter 16: How Rich are Your Clients'
Chapter 17: Building Win32 Clients - ActiveX Controls
Chapter 18: Developing Office-Based User Services
Chapter 19: Improving Scalability and Availability of DNA Applications
Chapter 20: An Overview of Windows DNA Security
Chapter 21: Certificate Services
Chapter 22: Debugging DNA Applications
Chapter 23: A Sample DNA Application
Chapter 24: Case Study: Airline Booking System
Chapter 25: Case Study: The Wrox Hire Shop
Chapter 26: Case Study: Distributed Application Message Monitor
Appendix A: Further Reading and Resources
Appendix B: Support, Errata and P2P.Wrox.Com