8 Best-Selling COM+ Books Millions Love

Discover best-selling COM+ books authored by experts like Dale Rogerson and Ted Pattison, offering proven approaches and deep insights into component design and distributed applications.

Updated on July 1, 2025
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0 of 8 books have Audiobook versions

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a technical field like COM+. Despite being a niche topic, COM+ remains a foundational technology in Windows-based component software, and these widely adopted books have shaped how countless developers understand and implement COM+ solutions.

These 8 titles represent authoritative voices in the COM+ world. From Dale Rogerson's in-depth explorations of COM architecture to Ted Pattison's practical guidance on distributed applications in Visual Basic, these authors provide readers with proven frameworks and detailed examples. They help bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering valuable insights for intermediate to advanced developers.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific COM+ needs might consider creating a personalized COM+ book that combines these validated approaches with your unique background and goals.

Best for mastering COM component design
Audiobook version not available
Dale Rogerson is a renowned expert in Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) with over 20 years of software development experience. His deep understanding of COM’s role in distributed computing and component design drives this book's clear, example-driven approach. Rogerson's insights make complex topics accessible for programmers looking to build elegant, robust COM components, reflecting his authoritative voice in the field.
Inside Com (Microsoft Programming Series) book cover

Dale Rogerson·

1997·416 pages·Component Object Model, COM+, COM, DCOM and ATL, Programming, Software Development

Dale Rogerson is a recognized authority on Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM), and this book reflects his deep expertise. You get a straightforward, code-rich guide that demystifies COM for programmers comfortable with C++, focusing on practical design and implementation rather than theory alone. The book walks you through creating robust COM components with clear examples and a progressive exploration of COM's architecture, making it especially useful if you want to understand how COM underpins technologies like OLE and ActiveX. While it assumes some familiarity with programming, its focus on accessible explanations benefits intermediate to advanced developers aiming to master component-based software design.

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Best for deep COM architecture insights
Audiobook version not available
Inside Com Microsoft's Component Object Model offers a thorough dive into one of Microsoft's foundational technologies, COM+. This edition, published by Wiley India, has been widely adopted by developers looking to decode the intricacies of component-based software design on Windows. Its approach systematically examines COM, DCOM, and ATL, providing readers with the frameworks and mechanisms underlying component interaction and lifetime management. Whether you're building complex Windows applications or integrating legacy components, this book addresses the core challenges and benefits of mastering COM technology.
2011·404 pages·COM+, Component Object Model, COM, DCOM and ATL, Software Development, COM

What started as a technical challenge for developers became Dale Rogerson's detailed exploration of Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM). This book breaks down the complexities of COM architecture, covering critical concepts like interface-based programming, reference counting, and COM threading models. You'll find in-depth discussions on COM, DCOM, and ATL that clarify how these technologies interconnect, which is essential if you want to master Windows component software. If you're a software developer or engineer aiming to deepen your understanding of COM technology stacks, this book offers clear explanations and technical depth without unnecessary fluff.

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Best for personal COM+ mastery
Audiobook version not available
This personalized AI book about COM+ component design is created after you share your background, skill level, and specific challenges in building COM+ applications. It focuses on the aspects of COM+ that matter most to you, whether that's transactional programming, resource management, or distributed application design. By tailoring the content to your goals and experience, this AI-created book helps you learn more efficiently and deeply than a generic text could.
2025·50-300 pages·COM+, COM+ Fundamentals, Component Design, Transactional Programming, Distributed Systems

This tailored book explores essential concepts and proven techniques in COM+ component design, focusing on your unique challenges and goals. It examines core principles of component architecture, transactional programming, and resource management, guiding you through the nuances of building robust, distributed applications. By integrating widely validated knowledge with your background, it reveals how to harness COM+ features effectively and troubleshoot common complexities. The tailored content ensures that you engage deeply with areas most relevant to your experience and interests, facilitating a practical understanding of COM+ internals and advanced component interactions. This personalized approach enhances your learning efficiency and ensures the material resonates with your specific development needs.

Tailored Guide
Component Optimization
3,000+ Books Created
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Best for Visual Basic COM+ developers
Audiobook version not available
Ted Pattison’s Programming Distributed Applications with COM+ and Microsoft Visual Basic unpacks the complexities of COM+ for developers working with Visual Basic 6.0. The book’s thorough explanation of resource sharing, transactional programming, and migration from Microsoft Transaction Server to COM+ under Windows 2000 has made it a valued reference. It offers practical guidance for creating scalable, high-throughput distributed applications, particularly suited for those building robust web-based solutions leveraging COM+ technologies.
2000·456 pages·COM+, Visual Basic, COM, DCOM and ATL, Distributed Applications, Transactional Programming

Ted Pattison's book emerged from his deep dive into simplifying the complexities of COM programming for Visual Basic developers. You get practical insights on building scalable, multitier distributed applications that efficiently manage resources like threads and memory within the COM+ framework. This edition updates readers on COM+ 1.0 under Windows 2000, detailing how to leverage transactional programming for optimal performance and port legacy MTS applications. If you're developing robust, secure web-based solutions in Visual Basic, this book guides you through the nuances of COM+ architecture and transactional components with clear examples, especially in chapters covering resource sharing and transaction management.

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Best for Delphi integration with COM+
Audiobook version not available
What makes this book unique in the COM+ space is its targeted approach to Delphi programming, emphasizing actionable skills for integrating COM and ActiveX components. V. Ponamarev’s handbook offers intermediate developers a detailed guide through the Delphi environment, covering everything from the basics of the IDE to complex tasks like creating COM objects and utilizing VCL libraries. Its practical focus addresses common challenges faced by developers working with COM+ technologies, making it a valuable reference for those looking to deepen their expertise and build robust Windows applications using Delphi.
2002·400 pages·Programming, Delphi, COM+, ActiveX, Object Oriented

Unlike most COM+ books that focus narrowly on theory, V. Ponamarev’s work dives into practical Delphi programming techniques for leveraging COM and ActiveX components. You’ll learn how to navigate the Delphi IDE, use VCL libraries effectively, and implement object-oriented principles tailored to COM+ development. Specific chapters cover creating COM objects and integrating ActiveX controls, which are invaluable if you’re building Windows applications with these technologies. This book suits intermediate programmers who want hands-on knowledge rather than abstract concepts, especially those working in Delphi environments targeting COM+ integration.

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Best for practical COM programming examples
Audiobook version not available
John E. Swanke has worked with COM since its inception and brings over six years of Visual C++ and MFC experience developing CAD, network management, and telephony applications. His teaching-by-example approach, proven in earlier MFC titles, drives this book’s method. Swanke believes illustrative examples carry far more instructional weight than text alone, making this guide highly practical for developers looking to master COM, ActiveX, ATL, and COM+ integration.
2017·357 pages·COM+, COM, DCOM and ATL, Component Object Model, Software Development, Client Server

When John Swanke first realized how fragmented COM programming resources were, he crafted this book to weave together MFC, ActiveX, ATL, ADO, and COM+ into a cohesive learning experience. You’ll explore concrete examples that clarify complex client/server application development using COM technology, such as integrating ActiveX controls or leveraging ATL for component creation. The book suits developers who want to deepen their practical understanding of COM internals and its role in networked applications, especially those familiar with Visual C++ and MFC. Chapters focusing on real implementation details make it clear how to apply concepts rather than just theorize about them.

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Best for rapid skill gains
Audiobook version not available
This personalized AI book about COM+ development is created after you share your programming background, skill level, and the specific COM+ topics you're eager to explore. You also tell us what goals you want to achieve, so the book focuses on the practical steps and concepts that matter most to you. This custom approach helps you build your distributed application skills efficiently, avoiding unnecessary material and honing in on what will make the biggest difference for your projects.
2025·50-300 pages·COM+, COM+ Fundamentals, Component Design, Distributed Applications, Transaction Management

This tailored book explores COM+ development with a clear, step-by-step approach designed to accelerate your skills in distributed application creation. It examines core COM+ concepts and guides you through practical development phases, focusing on your unique background and goals. The content reveals important facets of component design, transaction management, and resource sharing, all matched precisely to your interests. By concentrating on your specific objectives, this personalized guide helps you rapidly build confidence and competence in distributed systems by combining widely respected knowledge with custom insights. It unlocks the path to mastering COM+ technologies through focused learning that aligns exactly with your needs and experience level.

Tailored Guide
Transaction Management
1,000+ Happy Readers
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Best for Visual Basic ActiveX component dev
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.

Drawing from his deep expertise in Visual Basic and ActiveX, Daniel Appleman delivers a focused guide that demystifies the complexities of COM component development. You’ll learn how to create ActiveX components by mastering both programming concepts and essential technical steps, with clear warnings about common pitfalls and practical solutions. The book carefully balances theory and hands-on instruction, making it especially beneficial if you’re a Visual Basic programmer aiming to enhance your skills beyond basic usage. Chapters detail everything from interface design to deployment, equipping you to handle real development challenges confidently.

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Best for VB6 to .NET COM interoperability
Audiobook version not available
This book offers a detailed exploration of COM interoperability tailored for Visual Basic developers working to integrate legacy VB6 and COM components into the .NET framework. Its practical approach addresses the specific challenges faced in these migrations, making it a trusted resource widely used by professionals maintaining complex Visual Basic applications. The authors’ expertise shines through in comprehensive coverage of related issues, such as marshaling and interface adjustments, helping you bridge older codebases with modern platforms efficiently and with minimal disruption.
475 pages·COM+, Visual Basic, Software Development, Interoperability, VB6 Migration

Billy Hollis and Rockford Lhotka draw on their deep experience with Visual Basic and COM technologies to tackle the challenge of integrating legacy VB6 and COM code with the .NET platform. This book walks you through the nuances of COM interoperability, detailing how to manage and adapt existing components within a modern .NET environment. You’ll gain insight into practical issues like marshaling, interface design, and versioning, which are essential for maintaining and upgrading enterprise applications. If your work involves bridging old and new Visual Basic environments or ensuring smooth migration paths, this book offers focused technical understanding without unnecessary complexity.

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Best for mastering distributed COM systems
Audiobook version not available
Frank E. Redmond III brings extensive expertise in Microsoft technologies to this detailed guide on distributed computing. His background in software development underpins a clear explanation of the Distributed Component Object Model, designed to help you navigate complex system architectures. This book reflects his commitment to helping developers apply COM+ effectively in real-world networked applications, making it a valuable resource for those working within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Frank E. Redmond III draws on his deep experience with Microsoft technologies to clarify the complexities of distributed computing in this focused guide. You’ll learn how to harness the Microsoft Distributed Component Object Model to build scalable, networked applications, with practical examples and detailed appendices that break down advanced concepts like COM, DCOM, and ATL integration. This book suits software developers aiming to master distributed systems on the Microsoft platform, especially those tackling the challenges of component interoperability and network communication. Expect a thorough, no-frills exploration that equips you with concrete skills to implement and troubleshoot COM-based distributed applications.

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Conclusion

This collection of 8 best-selling COM+ books highlights consistent themes: practical frameworks, authoritative insights, and widespread validation among developers. If you're aiming for proven methods in component design, Dale Rogerson's "Inside Com" is a solid start. For Visual Basic users, combining Ted Pattison's work with Appleman's guidance offers thorough coverage of COM+ applications.

For those focused on interoperability and modernizing legacy systems, "Professional Visual Basic Interoperability" addresses the challenges of bridging VB6 and .NET. Meanwhile, "Dcom" provides a no-nonsense guide to distributed computing fundamentals.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized COM+ book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in mastering COM+ development.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Inside Com" by Dale Rogerson if you want a solid foundation in COM component design. It offers clear explanations and code examples that are great for building your understanding before diving into specialized topics.

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

Some books assume programming experience, but titles like "Programming Distributed Applications with COM+ and Microsoft Visual Basic" guide you through practical concepts. Beginners might find it helpful to build basic programming skills alongside these resources.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts like "Inside Com" to grasp core concepts, then move to application-focused books such as Ted Pattison's for distributed systems, followed by interoperability guides. This sequence supports building knowledge progressively.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

COM+ fundamentals remain consistent, so classics like Rogerson's work are still highly valuable. Pairing classic expertise with newer practical guides, like those on Visual Basic interoperability, offers a balanced perspective.

Do these books assume I already have experience in COM+?

Most books target intermediate programmers familiar with basic development concepts. They focus on deepening your COM+ skills rather than teaching programming from scratch.

How can personalized COM+ books complement these expert titles?

Personalized books tailor proven expert methods to your specific experience and goals, offering focused insights that complement the broader approaches found in these best-sellers. Learn more here.

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