Abstract
This paper discusses the software architecture of a Real-time CORBA object request broker (ORB) called ZEN, written in Real-time Java, which is designed to eliminate common sources of overhead and non-determinism in ORB implementations. We illustrate how ZEN can be configured to select the minimal set of components used by an application. Our experience with ZEN indicates that combining Real-time Java with Real-time CORBA is a major step forward towards simplifying the development and maintenance of distributed middleware and applications with stringent quality of service requirements.