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We propose a new paradigm for building scalable distributed systems. Our approach does not require dealing with message-passing protocols, a major complication in existing distributed systems. Instead, developers just design and manipulate data structures within our service called Sinfonia. Sinfonia keeps data for applications on a set of memory nodes, each exporting a linear address space. At the core of Sinfonia is a new minitransaction primitive that enables efficient and consistent access to data, while hiding the complexities that arise from concurrency and failures. Using Sinfonia, we implemented two very different and complex applications in a few months: a cluster file system and a group communication service. Our implementations perform well and scale to hundreds of machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance modeling and analysis of disk arrays is challenging due to the presence of multiple disks, large array caches, and sophisticated array controllers. Moreover, storage manufacturers may not reveal the internal algorithms implemented in their devices, so real disk arrays are effectively black-boxes. We use standard performance techniques to develop an integrated performance model that incorporates some of the complexities of real disk arrays. We show how measurement data and baseline performance models can be used to extract information about the various features implemented in a disk array. In this process, we identify areas for future research in the performance analysis of real disk arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the idea of using a variable-speed processor (VSP) that can be operated at a high clock speed, and then slowed down to a lower speed before heat accumulation destroys an electronic circuit. Heat generation; Optimality of the bang-bang control policy; Stochastic modal for the VSP; Controlling the VSP with linear temperature gradients.

Presents analytical methods evaluating the effectiveness of dynamic finite versioning (DFV), with focus on understanding the trade-offs between the average storage overhead and query obsolescence. Presentation of asymptotic closed-forms; Estimation of moments of Y; Effect of skew.

Over the last two years, nine IEEE Computer Society tech leaders collaborated to identify important industry advances that promise to change the world by 2022. The 23 technologies provide new insights into the emergence of "seamless intelligence." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Presents information on Minerva, a suite of software tools for designing computer storage systems automatically. Capabilities and function of Minerva; Evaluation of the design decisions of Minerva; Tests and results using Minerva.