Windows Open Service Architecture

architecture, library, microsoft (WOSA) One of the mainstays

of Microsoft Windows: the ethos of abstraction of core

services.

For each extension, Windows Open Services Architecture

defines an API and an SPI, as well as a universal

interface (usually placed in a single DLL) that both comply

to.

These then transparently let the operating system speak to

device drivers, database managers, and other low level

entities.

These extensions include, among others, ODBC (called the

"crowning jewel of WOSA"), TAPI, WOSA/XFS, SAPI and

MAPI, and their supporting services, as well as the

abstraction of access to printers, modems, and networkingservices, which run identically over TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and

NetBEUI.

(2000-08-16)