An ORB, or Object Request Broker, is a software component that enables communication between different applications or systems in a network. It allows programs to request services from other programs, regardless of their location, by using a standardized protocol. This makes it easier for developers to create distributed systems where components can interact seamlessly. In the context of distributed computing, ORBs play a crucial role in enabling interoperability among various programming languages and platforms. They facilitate the exchange of data and commands, ensuring that different systems can work together efficiently. Popular examples of ORBs include CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) and Java RMI (Remote Method Invocation).