Fractal Architectures and Complex Adaptive Systems. Phase 1
Abstract
During this Phase I period we investigated the feasibility of software architectures that are inherently self-similar or fractal in nature. The reason for this is manyfold and include the current and future need to compose applications and systems on many scale factors using consistent metaphors. For this to occur, a uniform set of logical constructs and procedures that have a quality of fractal or invariance with regards to scale need be invented. To obtain such logical constructs, a clear distinction between the logical and physical aspects comprising a complex system necessarily should exist. This separation will promote greater fluidity between each aspect. Furthermore, the abstractions modeled in the software should be easily defined and visualized in a manner not tightly bound to physical constraints and requirements of a system. Furthermore, such logical entities should permit for the migration from sets of small to sets of large. This allows designers to operate in an additional dimension; that is, assigning in the large and designing in the small. Although the concerns and implementations between levels can vary drastically, a consistent paradigm for understanding, creating, viewing and manipulating them would be a true leap forward in software and systems engineering.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA369841
Entities
People
- Darren Govoni
- Mike Alexander