Integrated resource management for lambda-grids: The Distributed Virtual Computer (DVC)

The Distributed Virtual Computer (DVC) is the key unifying element of the OptIPuter software architecture. It provides a simple, clean abstraction for applications or higher-level middleware, allowing them to use lambda-grids with the same convenience as a VPN. The DVC is successful because it employs integrated network and end-resource selection, achieving high quality results so that there is little incentive for end-users to expose and manage lower-level interfaces. We describe the development of the DVC abstraction, key results, and experience with multiple applications and testbeds.