6 COM+ Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

These 6 COM+ Books, written by leading authorities including Julian Templeman and Dale Rogerson, offer proven knowledge and practical insights for developers.

Updated on July 1, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page
0 of 6 books have Audiobook versions

What if the key to mastering COM+ isn’t just about coding, but understanding the architecture that underlies modern Windows component development? COM+ remains a cornerstone technology for building scalable, modular, and interoperable software, yet many developers struggle to grasp its full potential. As Windows environments evolve, knowing COM+ deeply can give you an edge in maintaining legacy systems and creating robust enterprise applications.

The books curated here come from seasoned authors like Julian Templeman, whose experience with MFC and COM programming delivers hands-on learning, and Dale Rogerson, who unpacks Microsoft's complex component model with clarity and depth. These works have shaped how developers approach COM+ by combining theoretical foundations with practical implementation strategies.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, skill level, or project goals might consider creating a personalized COM+ book that builds on these insights for a focused learning experience.

Best for foundational COM architecture
Audiobook version not available
Dale Rogerson is a renowned expert in Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) with over 20 years of experience in software development and architecture. His extensive background uniquely positions him to clarify the complexities of COM, offering readers a detailed exploration of this foundational Microsoft technology. Rogerson’s insights stem from decades of hands-on experience, making this book a solid resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of COM’s object interaction and binary standards.
2002·Component Object Model, COM+, COM, DCOM and ATL, Software Development, Distributed Systems

What happens when deep software architecture expertise meets the complex world of COM? Dale Rogerson, with over two decades in software development, unpacks Microsoft's Component Object Model in a way that clarifies its binary standards and interoperability. You’ll learn how COM enables objects written in different languages and running in varied processes to communicate, without being tied to a specific programming language or structure. The book delves into fundamental concepts like COM’s role behind OLE and ActiveX, offering detailed explanations on how components interact across process boundaries. If you’re a developer or architect aiming to master Microsoft’s core component technology, this book provides the foundational understanding you need, though it’s best suited for those with some prior software development experience.

View on Amazon
Best for advanced COM+ developers
Audiobook version not available
Inside Com Microsoft's Component Object Model offers a thorough examination of Microsoft's foundational component architecture, providing a rare focus on the technical intricacies of COM and its related technologies. This book serves as a valuable resource for those delving into Windows software development, particularly where component-based programming and enterprise-level services are concerned. Its detailed treatment of threading, interfaces, and integration with DCOM and ATL addresses the challenges developers face when building modular, distributed applications. Anyone looking to deepen their grasp of Microsoft's component frameworks will find this text a solid reference that tackles complex subjects with clarity.
2011·404 pages·Component Object Model, COM+, COM, DCOM and ATL, Windows Programming, Threading Models

Drawing from extensive experience with Microsoft's technologies, Dale Rogerson offers a detailed exploration of the Component Object Model (COM) that goes beyond typical introductions. You gain a deep understanding of COM's architecture, including its interfaces, threading models, and memory management. The book unpacks complex topics such as COM+ services and the integration of COM with DCOM and ATL, making it particularly suitable for developers aiming to master component-based software design. While demanding in technical depth, it benefits those ready to engage with real-world Windows programming challenges rather than casual learners.

View on Amazon
Best for tailored learning paths
Audiobook version not available
This AI-created book on COM+ Mastery is crafted based on your background and experience level. You share what aspects of COM+ you want to explore and your goals, and the book focuses on exactly those areas. Personalizing this content makes it easier to navigate the complex architecture and services of COM+, matching your learning pace and interests for a more effective understanding.
2025·50-300 pages·COM+, COM+ Fundamentals, Component Services, Transaction Management, Security Models

This tailored book explores the full spectrum of COM+ concepts, from foundational principles to advanced topics, crafted to your specific background and goals. It covers the architecture, services, and programming techniques that define COM+, emphasizing clear explanations that resonate with your experience level. Personalized to focus on your interests, it bridges expert knowledge and practical understanding, helping you grasp complex ideas without unnecessary detours. Whether you’re aiming to deepen your grasp of component services or master transaction management, this book provides a focused pathway through the intricacies of COM+. By synthesizing the collective human knowledge on COM+, it examines critical areas such as security, scalability, and integration in ways tailored to your learning style. This personalized approach enhances your comprehension and supports effective application in real-world scenarios.

Tailored Guide
Component Services Expertise
1,000+ Happy Readers
View on TailoredRead
Best for MFC programmers integrating COM
Audiobook version not available
Julian Templeman is a recognized authority in MFC and COM programming, with extensive software development experience. He has authored multiple books and articles that clarify complex programming concepts, earning respect as a speaker and educator within the programming community. This book reflects his deep expertise, presenting a learn-by-doing approach that helps you grasp COM’s intricacies through developing real applications, making it a valuable resource for MFC programmers aiming to expand their skills.
Beginning Mfc Com Programming book cover

Julian Templeman(you?)·

488 pages·MFC, COM+, COM, DCOM and ATL, Software Development, COM

The methods Julian Templeman developed while working extensively with MFC and COM programming provide the foundation for this instructive guide. You learn how to navigate the complexities of COM by building a complete application that includes OLE servers and components, making abstract concepts tangible through hands-on practice. The book is tailored for MFC programmers who need to integrate COM into their workflow, offering clear examples that demystify challenging aspects like DCOM and ATL. By the end, you’ll understand not just the theory but practical implementation details essential for Windows development.

View on Amazon
Best for Visual Basic COM component builders
Audiobook version not available
Daniel Appleman is a renowned author in the programming community, known for his expertise in Visual Basic and ActiveX development. With a background in software engineering, Appleman has authored several highly acclaimed books that have helped programmers navigate complex programming concepts.

Unlike many programming books that skim the surface, Daniel Appleman dives deep into the nuts and bolts of building COM and ActiveX components using Visual Basic 6. You’ll learn not only the core programming concepts but also how to avoid common pitfalls that often trip up developers, with practical solutions peppered throughout. Appleman’s background in software engineering shines through as he breaks down complex topics like COM interfaces and component creation into manageable sections, including detailed chapters on error handling and deployment. This book suits you if you’re a Visual Basic programmer aiming to master component development beyond the basics and want a solid, technical guide to support your projects.

View on Amazon
Best for VB6 to .NET COM migration
Audiobook version not available
Professional Visual Basic Interoperability - COM and VB6 to .NET addresses the intricate challenges faced by developers bridging legacy VB6 and COM code with modern .NET platforms. The book offers an in-depth examination of interoperability issues, focusing on what Visual Basic professionals need to know to ensure seamless integration. It carefully explains concepts like marshaling and threading models, which are critical for maintaining application stability and performance during migration. This detailed approach benefits developers tasked with upgrading or maintaining older systems while leveraging .NET capabilities, making it a practical resource for navigating complex software evolution in the COM+ space.
475 pages·COM+, Visual Basic, Software Development, Interop, VB6 Migration

Billy Hollis and Rockford Lhotka bring their extensive experience in Visual Basic and COM development to this focused guide on interoperability between VB6, COM, and the .NET platform. You’ll explore the technical challenges of running legacy VB6 and COM code within .NET environments, including detailed explanations of COM interoperability mechanisms and how to adapt existing applications. The book digs into practical issues like marshaling, threading models, and interface design, offering insight that benefits experienced Visual Basic developers transitioning to .NET. If you’re maintaining or upgrading VB6 applications, this book provides the focused knowledge needed to navigate complex interop scenarios without unnecessary distractions.

View on Amazon
Best for rapid skill mastery
Audiobook version not available
This AI-created book on COM+ programming is tailored to your specific goals and experience level. By sharing your background and the COM+ topics you want to focus on, you get a personalized guide that addresses exactly what you need. This focused approach helps you navigate the complexities of COM+ more efficiently than generic resources. With AI crafting content around your unique learning path, this book provides a clear route to mastering COM+ development and deployment.
2025·50-300 pages·COM+, COM+ Fundamentals, Component Services, Transaction Management, COM+ Security

This tailored book explores COM+ programming and deployment with a focus on rapid skill acquisition tailored to your background and goals. It covers essential concepts such as component services, COM+ architecture, and transaction management, providing a personalized pathway that matches your specific interests and experience level. The book examines practical aspects of developing, configuring, and deploying COM+ applications in modern Windows environments, enabling you to bridge expert knowledge with your own learning pace. By concentrating on your unique needs, this personalized guide reveals how to quickly master the intricacies of COM+ and apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.

Tailored Guide
COM+ Deployment
1,000+ Happy Readers
View on TailoredRead
Best for distributed COM+ application design
Audiobook version not available
Frank E. Redmond III brings authoritative expertise to this topic, leveraging his deep background in software engineering to clarify the intricacies of Microsoft's Component Object Model. His book was written to address the challenges developers face when building distributed applications, offering clear explanations and practical examples that reflect his hands-on experience. This focus makes the book especially beneficial for professionals aiming to enhance their understanding of COM and DCOM architectures in real-world Windows environments.

Drawing from his extensive experience in software development, Frank E. Redmond III offers a focused exploration of Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) in this detailed guide. You gain a solid understanding of building distributed applications with DCOM, supported by clear explanations and practical examples that demystify complex concepts such as remote procedure calls and interface marshaling. The book’s appendixes deepen your technical grasp, making it useful for developers who want to master COM+ infrastructure. If you’re working on scalable Windows-based distributed systems, this book provides concrete skills to navigate Microsoft's architecture efficiently, but it assumes you already have a programming foundation.

View on Amazon

Conclusion

Across these six titles, a few themes stand out: a solid grasp of COM+ fundamentals, practical guidance on component development with MFC and Visual Basic, and strategies for bridging legacy COM systems with modern platforms like .NET. If you're new to COM+, starting with Julian Templeman's work will ground you in practical programming, while Dale Rogerson's books serve as a deeper technical dive.

For rapid implementation, pairing "Professional Visual Basic Interoperability" with "Dan Appleman's Developing COM/ActiveX Components" offers actionable tips for managing VB6 and COM+ integration challenges. Meanwhile, "Dcom" by Frank Redmond focuses on distributed systems, ideal if your projects demand scalable networked components.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized COM+ book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and confidently tackle complex COM+ development challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Beginning Mfc Com Programming" by Julian Templeman. It offers clear, practical examples to build your foundation, making complex COM+ concepts accessible for newcomers.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to COM+?

Not at all. While some delve deep, books like Templeman’s and Rogerson’s provide approachable entry points. You can progress to advanced titles as your understanding grows.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with practical guides like Templeman’s, then explore Rogerson’s architectural insights. Follow with Appleman and Hollis for Visual Basic specifics, and finish with Redmond’s focus on distributed COM+.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast COM+ changes?

These books cover core COM+ principles that remain relevant. While some details reflect earlier Windows versions, the foundational knowledge is timeless for component developers.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Professional Visual Basic Interoperability" offers focused strategies for migrating and integrating VB6 and COM+ code, with practical solutions you can implement immediately.

Can I get a COM+ book tailored to my specific learning goals?

Yes! While these books cover broad expertise, you can create a personalized COM+ book tailored to your experience, project needs, and areas of interest for focused learning.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!