The COBS project is developing a uniform object-oriented programming infrastructure for high performance, heterogeneous machines. The intent of our work is to have broad impact by leveraging commercial object technologies while simultaneously attaining high performance by gaining and using novel research insights on efficient object representations and implementations. The performance improvements will be achieved through the use of highly configurable object and network interfaces. Through a single set of mechanisms and a uniform programming model, COBS will allow the construction and adaption of object systems that efficiently support a diverse selection of programming styles and allow them to interoperate cleanly across the range of target machines from distributed to shared memory platforms. The unique collaboration between Georgia Tech and IBM's TJ Watson Research Center will allow the exploratory implementations developed in academic research to be integrated with established and developing industry standards in commercial contexts.