A client-server architecture for distributed problem solving

The use of distributed systems has been constantly evolving during the last decade, a fact due to their lower aggregate cost, greater availability and higher flexibility. Distributed algorithms can, in addition, exploit the possibility offered by these systems for parallel execution and more sufficient use of resources. The paper describes a friendly environment supporting the development and execution of distributed algorithms. The algorithms are based on a client server architecture in which the client is responsible for monitoring the execution and communication with the servers, while the servers carry out the actual work. The supporting environment provides both for the communication between client and servers and for the development and execution of the distributed algorithms.