Showing papers on "Shared resource published in 1975"

Optimizing distributed data bases: a framework for research

Abstract: The interaction between computers and communication technology has steadily developed in recent years bringing with it the creation of large computer communication complexes. Earlier computer communication systems were generally focused around a single large computer installation. Although a strong argument can still be made for serving distributed users with a centralized system, we now witness an increasing number of systems in which information processing and storage functions are distributed among several computers. The idea is to distribute the resources (programs, data, computing hardware, etc.) of each computer site to a widely spread community of users. Various factors may favor a shift toward computer networks, especially with similarly structured organizations which are independent but can be motivated to share. The most well-known example is the network developed under the sponsorship of the Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA), that links independent research organizations, all involved in solving closely related problems. The libraries of specialized software and data at each research center, make it attractive to link the computers of these organizations. Clearly, access to specialized data bases is a major feature of the networks and the cost incurred by such an access is an important consideration in determining the economic viability of this kind of resource sharing.

An operational system for computer resource sharing

Abstract: Users and administrators of a small computer often desire more service than it can provide. In a network environment additional services can be provided to the small computer, and in turn to the users of the small computer, by one or more other computers. An operational system for providing such “resource sharing” is described; some “fundamental principles” are abstracted from the experience gained in constructing the system; and some generalizations are suggested.

Distributive Computer Networking: Making It Work on a Regional Basis: Effective sharing through a network requires new management and resource distribution techniques.

Abstract: After 4 years of operation the NERComP network is now a self-supporting success. Some of the reasons for its success are that (i) the network started small and built up utilization; (ii) the members, through monthly trustee meetings, practiced "participatory management" from the outset; (iii) unlike some networks, NERComP appealed to individual academic and research users who were terminal-oriented and who controlled their own budgets; (iv) the compactness of the New England region made it an ideal laboratory for testing networking concepts; and (v) a dedicated staff was willing to work hard in the face of considerable uncertainty. While the major problems were "political, organizational and economic" (1) we have found that they can be solved if the network meets real needs. We have also found that it is difficult to proceed beyond a certain point without investing responsibility and authority in the networking organization. Conversely, there is a need to distribute some responsibilities such as marketing and user services back to the member institutions. By adopting a modest starting point and achieving limited goals the necessary trust and working relationships between institutions can be built. In our case the necessary planning has been facilitated by recognizing three distinct network functions: governance, user services, and technical operations. Separating out the three essential networing tasks and dealing with each individually through advisory committees, each with its own staff coordinator, has overcome a distracting tendency to address all issues at once. It has also provided an element of feedback between the end user and the supplier not usually present in networking activity. The success of NERComP demonstrates that a distributive-type network can work. Our experiences in New England-which, because of its numerous colleges and universities free from domination by any single institution, is a microcosm for academic computing in the United States-indicate that such networks are best structured in a hierarchical form. This suggests that national networking should be based in part on the more than 30 existing state and regional networks (15). With the groundwork now laid, we expect to see links among existing regional networks to complement development efforts now occurring at the national level. With Greenberger and others, we believe that one or more networking organizations devoted to the management issues discussed in this article will be required to facilitate resource sharing on a national scale. Because of their experience with these problems and their ability to provide service in many areas of the country through existing facilities, regional networks have a major role to play.

A State-of-the-Art Report on Network Data Management and Related Technology,

Abstract: : The state-of-the-art is described in 16 areas related to data management and resource sharing on computer networks. The data management topics covered include data organization (structures and access techniques), optimization (hashing, clustering, partitioning, and compression), data languages (for structure definition and query), and file allocation on a network. The topics covered relating to the network and systems environment include communications, resource allocation, measurement and evaluation, network front ends, and security. The topics relating to network applications discuss general user support, and network management.

User orientation in networking

Abstract: The virtues and drawbacks of computer networks are well known. A number of significant networks are already in existence, and their effects and potential in the area of resource sharing are unquestionably important. Confirmation of this fact is indicated not only by the relevant literature on the whole, but also by various NSF-sponsored research efforts and special NSF initiatives.

Research in Network Data Management and Resource Sharing. A Cost Model for Data Distribution.

Abstract: : A model is developed to study the costs of storing data at a remote site in a network. The model is basically that of a storage hierarchy in which data is stored at a remote site when inactive and staged to a local, rapid-access device for use. (Author)

Research in network data management and resource sharing: initial mathematical model report, CAC No. 169

Abstract: Abstract : This is a preliminary report on a project to build mathematical models for the study of distributed data management. Under simplistic assumptions, equations for cost, availability, and response time are developed and studied. (Author)