title: How can I create an instance when I only have the name of the class?
body: <p>I'm looking for a solution to create singleton instances of classes, when only the names of the class will be available.</p>
  
  <p>I've looked at <code>Activator.CreateInstance()</code> but this needs a recast to the original object for method invocation to occur. I then went in to look at how <code>MEF</code> might assist, which seems to be route I want to go, but I'm not sure if this is overkill for what I'd like to achieve.</p>
  
  <p>In a nutshell, I have references to web services (ASMX) with different names. These names will be exposed to a combo-box in a WinForms application when a user enters the URL to an application. From there, a couple of methods, exposed by each of the services need to be called, however, the classes will be virtual methods in the abstract class.</p>
  
  <p>This sounds a lot like a plug-in framework, but the idea here is to call Microsoft specific web services in Office SharePoint Server (2007 / 2010) dynamically based on the type of foundation installed.</p>
  
  <p>Hope I've given enough context.</p>