distributed computing environment (DCE)

Definition 1

Computer networking scheme in which multiple software components (such as directory services, file services, security services) integrated to work closely toward well developed objectives. These objectives may include building of custom applications or providing of support to other applications.

Definition 2

Open system foundation's (OSF) vendor-independent standard technology that supports heterogeneous hardware and software products, and provides (1) security services to protect and control access to data, (2) name services that facilitate finding the distributed resources, and (3) a scalable scheme for organizing scattered data, services, and users.