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Delta-4: An Open Architecture for Dependable Systems

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Neil Speirs

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Abstract

The Delta-4 project, carried out within the framework of the European Strategic Programme for Research in Information Technology (ESPRIT), has defined an open, fault-tolerant, distributed computing architecture for use in application areas such as computer-integrated manufacturing, process control and office automation. The project has demonstrated its architecture via Unix-based implementations running demonstration applications at Credit Agricole (a credit card authorisation system) and Renault (a process control application within an integrated manufacturing cell). The Delta-4 approach to fault-tolerance is based upon the replication of software components on distinct host computers using a range of different replication strategies. This paper presents an overview of the Delta-4 architecture, and of the facilities which it provides for supporting the requirements of real-time systems with respect to throughput and response. The problems of replica divergence are discussed, and a solution based on message selection and pre-emption synchronisation messages is proposed.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Barrett PA, Speirs NA

Publication type: Report

Publication status: Published

Series Title: Department of Computing Science Technical Report Series

Year: 1994

Pages: 7

Print publication date: 01/01/1994

Source Publication Date: January 1994

Report Number: 457

Institution: Department of Computing Science, University of Newcastle upon Tyne

Place Published: Newcastle upon Tyne

URL: http://www.cs.ncl.ac.uk/publications/trs/papers/457.pdf


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