Architecture Neutral Distribution Format

The Architecture Neutral Distribution Format (ANDF) in <a href="/facts/Computing/Kghtm9fX">computing</a> is a technology allowing common "shrink wrapped" binary application programs to be distributed for use on conformant <a href="/facts/Unix/0pNL2seI">Unix</a> systems, translated to run on different underlying hardware platforms. ANDF was defined by the <a href="/facts/Open_Software_Foundation/sBn7Q7gt">Open Software Foundation</a> and was expected to be a "truly revolutionary technology that will significantly advance the cause of portability and open systems", but it was never widely adopted.
As with other OSF offerings, ANDF was specified through an open selection process. OSF issued a Request for Technology for architecture-neutral software distribution technologies in April, 1989. Fifteen proposals were received, based on a variety of technical approaches, including obscured source code, compiler intermediate languages, and annotated executable code.
The technology of ANDF, chosen after an evaluation of competing approaches and implementations, was <a href="/facts/TenDRA_Distribution_Format/JT8xQxwN">Ten15 Distribution Format</a>, later renamed TenDRA Distribution Format, developed by the UK <a href="/facts/Defence_Research_Agency/bBzAp2WN">Defence Research Agency</a>.

Architecture Neutral Distribution Format open-in-new

Architecture Neutral Distribution Format