Mechanisms For Reliable Distributed Real Time Operating Systems

Mechanisms for Reliable Distributed Real-Time Operating Systems: The Alpha Kernel deals with the Alpha kernel, a set of mechanisms that support the construction of reliable, modular, decentralized operating systems for real-time control applications. An initial snapshot of the kernel design and implementation is provided. Comprised of seven chapters, this volume begins with a background on the Alpha operating system kernel and its implementation, followed by a description of the programming abstractions created for the Alpha kernel. The third chapter defines the client interface provided by the kernel in support of the given programming abstractions, while the fourth chapter focuses on the functional design of the kernel. The hardware on which the kernel was constructed, as well as the implications of this hardware on the design and implementation of the kernel, is also examined. The final chapter compares Alpha with other relevant operating systems such as Hydra, Cronus, Eden, Argus, Accent, and Locus. This book will appeal to computer scientists, systems designers, and undergraduate and graduate students of computer science.

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the International Conference on Embedded and Ubiquitous Computing, EUC 2007, held in Taipei, Taiwan, in December 2007. The 65 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 217 submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections. They include sections on power aware computing, reconfigurable embedded systems, wireless networks, real-time/embedded operating systems, and embedded system architectures.

In general, distributed systems can be classified into Distributed File Systems (DFS) and Distributed Operating Systems (DOS). The survey which follows distinguishes be tween DFS approaches in Chapters 2-3, and DOS approaches in Chapters 4-5. Within DFS and DOS, I further distinguish "traditional" and object-oriented approaches. A traditional approach is one where processes are the active components in the systems and where the name space is hierarchically organized. In a centralized environment, UNIX would be a good example of a traditional approach. On the other hand, an object-oriented approach deals with objects in which all information is encapsulated. Some systems of importance do not fit into the DFS/DOS classification. I call these systems "closely related" and put them into Chapter 6. Chapter 7 contains a table of comparison. This table gives a lucid overview summarizing the information provided and allowing for quick access. The last chapter is added for the sake of completeness. It contains very brief descriptions of other related systems. These systems are of minor interest or do not provide transparency at all. Sometimes I had to assign a system to this chapter simply for lack of adequate information about it.

Explains fault tolerance in clear terms, with concrete examples drawn from real-world settings Highly practical focus aimed at building "mission-critical" networked applications that remain secure

Explains fault tolerance in clear terms, with concrete examples drawn from real-world settings Highly practical focus aimed at building "mission-critical" networked applications that remain secure

NATO's Division of Scientific and Environmental Affairs sponsored this Advan ced Study Institute because it was felt to be timely to cover this important and challengjng subject for the first time in the framework of NATO's ASI programme. The significance of real-time systems in everyones' life is rapidly growing. The vast spectrum of these systems can be characterised by just a few examples of increasing complexity: controllers in washing machines, air traffic control systems, control and safety systems of nuclear power plants and, finally, future military systems like the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). The import ance of such systems for the well-being of people requires considerable efforts in research and development of highly reliable real-time systems. Furthermore, the competitiveness and prosperity of entire nations now depend on the early app lication and efficient utilisation of computer integrated manufacturing systems (CIM), of which real-time systems are an essential and decisive part. Owing to its key significance in computerised defence systems, real-time computing has also a special importance for the Alliance. The early research and development activities in this field in the 1960s and 1970s aimed towards improving the then unsatisfactory software situation. Thus, the first high-level real-time languages were defined and developed: RTL/2, Coral 66, Procol, LTR, and PEARL. In close connection with these language develop ments and with the utilisation of special purpose process control peripherals, the research on real-time operating systems advanced considerably.

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the Third International Conference on Embedded Software and Systems, ICESS 2007, held in Daegu, Korea, May 2007. The 75 revised full papers cover embedded architecture, embedded hardware, embedded software, HW-SW co-design and SoC, multimedia and HCI, pervasive/ubiquitous computing and sensor network, power-aware computing, real-time systems, security and dependability, and wireless communication.

This book presents the proceedings of the Distributed Ada '89 Symposium held at the University of Southampton in December. The objective of the symposium was to provide a platform for developers and users with experience in the areas of distributed and parallel environments to reveal the advantages and difficulties encountered. The impact of Ada-9X and other enhancements to the language were also explored.