An error reporting and feedback component for component-based transaction processing systems

The paper presents a novel approach to providing error feedback for distributed, component based applications. We describe an error reporting component which can be seamlessly added to an application. This will collect data from user actions and server requests and provide context dependent feedback on errors. Users of software systems often spend a great deal of time trying to work out how to use the system and, in particular, how to deal with errors. Sometimes users are completely unaware of errors, and when an error is detected, it is often difficult to locate the cause of the error and the means of recovery. Component based systems are composed of independently developed components, and consequently traditional methods for implementing global feedback mechanisms are impossible. We therefore propose the use of an error reporting component which will enhance the level of feedback in component based systems, and assist the user in recovering from errors