COM objects are provided by third-party vendors as well as by Progress Software Corporation. They have standard features that allow them to be accessed from many different programming environments. The capabilities of COM objects vary widely. Many provide some user interface component, while others provide such functionality as HTTP support and internet access. However, because COM objects are independent of ABL, they have no direct integration with OpenEdge data management facilities, such as database fields, formats, and validation.

ABL widgets are objects that are completely defined by ABL and are not directly accessible by any other programming environment. Their capabilities focus primarily on user interface function. Unlike COM objects, ABL widgets are fully integrated into the programming and data management facilities of ABL. This means that a variety of default ABL behaviors apply to widgets that do not apply to COM objects.