The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

Component Object Model
Common Object Model

    (COM) An open software architecture from DEC
   and Microsoft, allowing interoperation between
   ObjectBroker and OLE.  Microsoft evolved COM into DCOM.

   On page XV of Box's book in the foreword by Charlie Kindel he
   says, "It is Mark Ryland's fault that some people call COM the
   'Common Object Model.'  He deeply regrets it and apologizes
   profusely."

   ["Essential COM", Don Box].

   [Details?  URL?]

   (1999-06-12)