A Structuring Framework for Distributed Operating Systems
Abstract
This technical report is an attempt to survey the organization principles for distributed systems in a systematic and concise manner. Starting with a comprehensive set of terms covering the area of distributed computing, a classification scheme for distributed operating systems is developed. Based on this classification scheme several communication models are surveyed. Client- server models as an attractive structuring means for distributed operating systems are discussed in greater depth. The report concludes by elaborating the nature of cooperation as an unique underlying principle to organize the work in distributed systems. Distributed computing -as opposed to centralized computing- appears as an attractive alternative to configure a computing system and to organize its work. It receives its potential power from a characteristics fundamental to the structure of any distributed system: its conceptually unlimited extensibility in terms of processing nodes and storage capacity. This property gives raise to the hope that some day one will be able to built distributed systems which -in terms of processing power and reliability- will exceed by far the most powerful centralized systems ever built.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA199093
Entities
People
- Juergen Nehmer
Organizations
- University of Maryland