Models for distributed systems

[tstrufe]

I have a very simple question:

from our uni-courses and from quite some literature (coulouris,
dollimore, kindberg!) I have learnt, that we know quite a few models to
describe the properties of distributed systems.
However, searching and looking around I cannot find ONE good selection
of models (architecture-; interaction-, failure-, security-, [data-?,
organisation-?, Functional-?, role-?, time-?, lifecycle-?, naming-?]
model???) nor can I find ONE good definition (formal would be nice...)
of at least one of all of these models!?
Can anybody come to help and give me hint as to where in literature or
the holy world wide web I can find any good information?

Thanks a lot in advance!

thorsten

[Edward A. Feustel]

Post by tstrufe
from our uni-courses and from quite some literature (coulouris,
dollimore, kindberg!) I have learnt, that we know quite a few models to
describe the properties of distributed systems.
However, searching and looking around I cannot find ONE good selection
of models (architecture-; interaction-, failure-, security-, [data-?,
organisation-?, Functional-?, role-?, time-?, lifecycle-?, naming-?]
model???) nor can I find ONE good definition (formal would be nice...)
of at least one of all of these models!?
Can anybody come to help and give me hint as to where in literature or
the holy world wide web I can find any good information?
Thanks a lot in advance!
thorsten

Have you tried the ITU-T X.900 series of standards -- The Reference Model
for Open Distributed Systems?
It at least gives you a reference model that can accommodate much of what
you wish to describe. It also has a formal model and precise definitions.
TINA-C and CORBA are based on this model. It does not do everything you
want, e.g. security.

This series of standards also has a counterpart in the ISO/IEC world.

One book on its use discusses how it can be used in Multimedia Systems.
Another addresses its use in many of the areas of your interest.

Ed Feustel