nExtends the
functionality of the host application
nUsually running
in-process (I.e. contained in a DLL)
nUsually a visible
component embedded into a dialog/window of
a host application
nControlled through
an automation interface
nLanguage
independent
uUses a binary type
library
uDoes not require
header files or libraries
uWorks in many development environments, e.g. Visual Basic, Visual C++, Delphi, Internet Explorer