A remote Automation server is started from Lisp by using its coclass name, CLSID or ProgID. The macro with-coclass can be used to make an instance of an automation server from its coclass name for the duration of its body. The function create-object can be used to start an automation server given its CLSID or ProgID. The function create-instance-with-events can be used to start and automation server and set its event handler. The function get-active-object can be used to look for a registered running instance of a coclass in the system Running Object Table.
LispWorks COM/Automation User Guide and Reference Manual - 14 Feb 2015