Using object frameworks to enable real-time and dependability in a modular operating system

The Open Software Foundation (OSF) Research Institute (RI) has developed a multiserver, microkernel based operating system that provides performance competitive with commercial systems and enables reliable, distributed real time applications. Use of object frameworks within the operating system allows configuration choices including desktop workstation systems and real time dependable systems from one source code base. Initial implementation of the networking framework is complete and in daily use; the processor scheduling framework is in progress. The paper reports on the performance and capabilities of those frameworks, and comments on some improvements to be included in a follow on operating system.