The best replacement for named pipes is tcp ip.

The best alternatives to named pipes are rated as following:
★★★★★  tcp ip
★★★★  shared memory
★★★  memory mapped files
★★  msmq
★★  sockets
★★  tcp wcf
★★  unnamed pipes
★★  unix sockets
★  message queue
★  tcp ip sql 2005
  ordinary pipes
  .net remoting
  tcp/ip
  tcpip

Your alternative for named pipes is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about named pipes, one probably shouldn't forget about wcf.

Other search terms related to named pipes and their ratings are:
★★★★★ wcf
You have in mind a companion for named pipes and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

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named pipes
tcp ip
shared memory