This paper introduces an object-passing model for parallel and distributed application development. Object passing provides the object-oriented application developer with powerful yet simple methods to distribute and exchange data and logic (objects) among processes. The model extends message passing, while exploiting the advantages of the object-oriented paradigm. In addition, the model provides a portable framework for executing applications across multiple platforms, thus effectively exploiting available resources to gain more processing power. A number of advantageous aspects of adopting object passing are discussed, in addition to highlighting the differences between message passing, represented by MPI, and object passing. Another advantage is the model?s suitability for heterogeneous systems. When implemented with a portable language like Java, it can support parallel and distributed applications spanning a collection of heterogeneous platforms. This form of execution will eventually allow for full utilization of available resources for any given application written using this model.