OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) is Microsofts semi failed attempt at emulating Java and creating its own object oriented structure. What it does is allow users to insert an object into a another app or DB but allows you to edit and that object in its native application.

There was only 1 piece of software built entirly on OLE and it is MS word pad. Most Microsoft and other apps allow you to insert OLE objects into them but are not completly OLE based.

The reason why this is desirable is becuase a user would only need to select insert OLE object from another app and imediatly the creation program would pop up and allow you to create the object. Then after you create the object it will close and the object is left in the program.

My problem with this is that if the link is severed- IE you e-mail a word document lets say to a friend with a embedded object but they don't have the app then you see a square that just says object.