The rapid growth of distributed processing has lead to a need for a coordinating framework for the standardization of Open Distributed Processing (ODP). This Reference Model of ODP provides such a framework. It creates an architecture within which support of distribution, interworking, interoperability and portability can be integrated. The Basic Reference Model of Open Distributed Processing (RM-ODP) is based on precise concepts derived from current distributed processing developments and, as far as possible, on the use of formal description techniques for specification of the architecture.