A large distributed system cannot rely on any other part being what one might expect. 

'''Therefore:'''
Design the parts of your system to reach out into the system and cautiously make use of whatever is found.

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Those who favor late-binding often attempt this approach with marginal success at best. The trick is to consider it to be a central (and challenging) architectural element rather than an excuse for brushing off launch sequence issues. Contrast with LaunchScript. -- WardCunningham

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I worked on project for the DoD that worked like this -- ErikMeade