With component object definitions enable you to add any application, device, or service that works on your platform to the component database. Using the Windows XP Embedded development tools, you can then add the application, device, or service to your run-time image. Component object definitions also ensure that the resources and dependencies for a component are selected appropriately. For example, assume that you define two custom applications and import them into the component database. You create a standard configuration that contains neither of your applications. Next, you decide to create a runtime image using the standard configuration and one of the applications. When you add the application to the configuration, not only is the functionality of the application added, but the development tools are also alerted to the dependencies and build script for the application. In this way you can ensure that your configuration has all of the components that are required for a successful build.