Local-area distributed systems

Advances in computing and networking have led to the use of local-area distributed systems. The following are example configurations: workstations and file servers, multiple computers that present the image of a single computer, and heterogeneous workstations and mainframes that cooperate loosely. The paper focuses on the system software. It first discusses the forces leading to distributed systems and the obstacles to realizing the full value of the systems. Discussed also are common current uses of local-area distributed systems. Concepts and models are introduced. Requirements for user and program interfaces and for administration are presented, as well as major design attributes and design issues. Systems that represent the main approaches are described.