The Software Architecture of a Distributed Problem-Solving Environment

D. W. Walker
Computer Science and Mathematics Division
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
P. O. Box 2008
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6367
U. S. A.

O. F. Rana, M. Li, M. S. Shields, and Y. Huang

Department of Computer Science
University of Wales, Cardiff
P. O. Box 916
Cardiff CF24 3XF
United Kingdom

Abstract

This paper describes the functionality and software architecture of a generic problem-solving environment (PSE) for collaborative computational science and engineering. The PSE is designed to provide transparent access to heterogeneous distributed computing resources, and is intended to enhance research productivity by making it easier to construct, run, and analyze the results of computer simulations. Although implementation details are not discussed in depth, the role of software technologies such as CORBA, Java, and XML is outlined. An XML-based component model is presented. The main features of a Visual Component Composition Environment for software development and an Intelligent Resource Management System for scheduling components are described. Some prototype implementations of PSE sub-systems are also presented.

D. Walker, O. F. Rana, M. Li, M. S. Shields, and Y. Huang, The Software Architecture of a Distributed Problem-Solving Environment Concurrency: Practice and Experience, Vol. 12, No. 15, pages 1455-1480, December 2000.

A slightly different earlier version of this paper appeared as a Technical Report.