Here's a complete guide to building reliable component-based software systems. Written by world-renowned experts in the component-based software engineering field, this unique resource helps you manage complex software through the development, evaluation and integration of software components. You quickly develop a keen awareness of the benefits and risks to be considered when developing reliable systems using components. A strong software engineering perspective helps you gain a better understanding of software component design, to build systems with stronger requirements, and avoid typical errors throughout the process, leading to improved quality and time to market. From component definition, standards, objects and frameworks, to organizational development and support of the component-based life cycle, the book describes aspects of systems development using components and component development. It focuses on dependable and real-time systems, employing case studies from the process automation industry, software production, electronic consumer equipment and office software development.