Recent Trends in Distributed Systems

Recent Trends: Introduction, Portable and handheld Devices, Wearable devices, Devices embedded in
appliances, Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM), Jini, Service Oriented Architecture, The Future of Recent Trends.
Tools for Distributed System Monitoring: Prometheus, Zabbix, Nagios
• Case Studies: Mach, Chorus

Contents
1. Distributed System: ................................................................................................................................................. 2
Types of Distributed Systems ..................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Recent Trends In DS................................................................................................................................................. 3
3. Portable and handheld Devices .............................................................................................................................. 4
4. Wearable devices: ................................................................................................................................................... 5
5. Devices embedded in appliances ............................................................................................................................ 6
6. Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM): .............................................................................................................................. 8
7. Jini ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9
8. Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA): ................................................................................................................... 11
9. Recent trends in distributed systems: ................................................................................................................... 12
- Prometheus:................................................................................................................................................................ 13
- Zabbix: ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
- Nagios: ........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Mach: ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Chorus: .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Notes:
1. Distributed System:
• Distributed System is a collection of autonomous computer systems that are physically separated but
are connected by a centralized computer network that is equipped with distributed system software.
• The autonomous computers will communicate among each system by sharing resources and files
and performing the tasks assigned to them.
•

Types of Distributed Systems

There are many models and architectures of distributed systems in use today.
• Client-server systems: The most traditional and simple type of distributed system, involves a
multitude of networked computers that interact with a central server for data storage,
processing, or other common goal.
• Peer-to-peer networks: They distribute workloads among hundreds or thousands of
computers all running the same software.
• Cell phone networks: It is an advanced distributed system, sharing workloads among
handsets, switching systems, and internet-based devices.
Imagine you have a big task to complete, but instead of doing it all by yourself on your own computer, you
share the work with your friends. Each friend does a part of the task on their own computer. Once everyone
finishes their part, the results are combined to get the final outcome.

In a distributed system:

1. Multiple Computers: Instead of one computer doing all the work, there are many computers involved.
These computers are connected to each other through a network.

2. Dividing the Work: The big task is divided into smaller tasks, and each computer (or "node") works on its
assigned task independently.

3. Coordination: There's a way for the computers to communicate and coordinate their efforts, ensuring that
they work together smoothly.

4. Combining Results: Once each computer finishes its part of the task, the results are collected and
combined to produce the final result.

Distributed systems are used because they can handle big tasks more efficiently. They can also continue
working even if one computer fails, making them more reliable.

2. Recent Trends In DS

1. Serverless Computing: Abstracts away infrastructure management, enabling developers to focus solely on
coding.

2. Edge Computing: Distributes computing resources closer to data sources, reducing latency and bandwidth
usage.

3. Containerization and Orchestration: Technologies like Docker and Kubernetes simplify deployment and
management of distributed applications.

4. Microservices Architecture: Decomposes applications into small, independent services for flexible
development and scaling.
5. Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT): Enable decentralized and tamper-resistant data
storage and processing.

6. Event-Driven Architectures (EDA): Facilitate real-time processing and adaptability to changing workloads.

7. Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Deployments: Organizations adopt diverse cloud environments,
necessitating interoperable distributed systems.

8. AI and Machine Learning in Distributed Systems: Enhance distributed systems with autonomous decision-
making and adaptive behavior.

9. Immutable Infrastructure: Improves predictability and reliability of deployment and scaling through
disposable and immutable infrastructure components.

10. Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Disrupts traditional finance with decentralized alternatives for banking,
lending, and trading.

These trends reflect a shift towards more efficient, scalable, and resilient distributed systems to meet the
evolving needs of modern applications and infrastructure.

3. Portable and handheld Devices

Portable handheld devices refer to compact electronic gadgets that can be easily carried and operated while
being held in the hand. These devices are designed to provide various functionalities, such as
communication, computing, entertainment, and productivity, in a portable form factor. Common examples
include smartphones, tablets, e-readers, portable gaming consoles, and wearable devices like smartwatches
and fitness trackers.

a brief introduction to portable handheld devices:

1. Smartphones: Smartphones are multipurpose handheld devices that combine the functionalities of
a mobile phone with those of a computer. They typically feature touchscreens for user interaction,
support for wireless communication technologies like Wi-Fi and cellular networks, and access to a
wide range of applications through app stores.
2. Tablets: Tablets are larger handheld devices with touchscreens, resembling small computers but
more portable than laptops. They offer a larger display compared to smartphones, making them
suitable for activities such as reading e-books, watching videos, browsing the web, and productivity
tasks like document editing and email.
3. E-readers: E-readers, also known as electronic book readers, are specialized handheld devices
designed primarily for reading digital books and documents. They typically feature e-ink displays
that mimic the appearance of printed paper, providing a comfortable reading experience even in
bright sunlight.
 4. Portable Gaming Consoles: Portable gaming consoles are handheld devices designed specifically
for playing video games on the go. They typically feature dedicated gaming controls such as buttons,
directional pads, and joysticks, along with a built-in display screen.
5. Wearable Devices: Wearable devices include smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other accessories
that can be worn on the body.
Overall, portable handheld devices have become an integral part of modern life, offering convenience,
versatility, and connectivity in a compact and portable form factor. They continue to evolve with
advancements in technology, offering new features, improved performance, and enhanced capabilities
to meet the diverse needs of users.

4. Wearable devices:

Wearable devices are small electronic gadgets designed to be worn on the body, often as accessories or
clothing items. They typically incorporate sensors, connectivity features, and computational capabilities to
provide various functionalities, such as health monitoring, activity tracking, communication, and
notification alerts. Wearable devices have gained popularity due to their convenience, portability, and ability
to provide personalized information and services to users. Some common types of wearable devices
include:

1. Smartwatches: Smartwatches are wrist-worn devices that offer features similar to smartphones, such as
notifications for calls, messages, and apps. They often include fitness tracking sensors, heart rate monitors,
GPS, and support for voice commands.

2. Fitness Trackers: Fitness trackers, also known as activity trackers, are designed to monitor physical
activity and health-related metrics such as steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, and sleep
patterns. They typically feature accelerometers, heart rate sensors, and sometimes GPS for tracking outdoor
activities.

3. Smart Glasses: Smart glasses are wearable computer glasses that incorporate a display, camera,
microphone, and speakers. They can provide hands-free access to information, augmented reality (AR)
overlays, and real-time communication capabilities.
4. Smart Clothing: Smart clothing integrates electronic components and sensors directly into garments or
accessories like shirts, socks, and hats. These wearable textiles can monitor biometric data, track activity, or
provide haptic feedback.

5. Health Monitoring Devices: Wearable health monitoring devices are specialized wearables designed for
medical applications, such as continuous glucose monitors for diabetes management, ECG monitors for
heart health, and sleep trackers for monitoring sleep quality.

6. Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets: VR headsets are wearable devices that immerse users in virtual
environments for gaming, entertainment, training, and simulation purposes. They typically feature high-
resolution displays, motion tracking sensors, and audio systems.

7. Augmented Reality (AR) Devices: AR devices overlay digital information onto the user's view of the real
world. These devices range from smartphone-based AR applications to specialized AR glasses and headsets
used in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.

Wearable devices are often connected to smartphones or other devices to synchronize data, receive updates,
and access additional functionalities. They enable users to track their fitness goals, stay connected, monitor
health metrics, and interact with digital content in a hands-free manner. As technology continues to
advance, wearable devices are becoming more sophisticated, versatile, and integrated into everyday life.

5. Devices embedded in appliances

Devices embedded in appliances refer to electronic components or systems integrated into household or
commercial appliances to enhance their functionality, automation, and connectivity. These embedded
devices enable appliances to perform specific tasks, gather data, communicate with other devices or
networks, and provide advanced features and services. Here are some common examples:
1. Smart Refrigerators: Refrigerators equipped with embedded devices feature built-in sensors, cameras, and
touchscreen displays. They can monitor temperature, track food inventory, suggest recipes based on
available ingredients, and send alerts for maintenance or when items are running low.

2. Smart Ovens and Cooking Appliances: Smart ovens and cooking appliances often include embedded
devices with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control cooking settings remotely via smartphone apps.
They may also offer features like pre-programmed cooking modes, recipe recommendations, and
notifications when cooking is complete.

3. Smart Washers and Dryers: Washing machines and dryers with embedded devices can monitor water
usage, energy consumption, and laundry cycles. They may offer features such as customized wash cycles,
remote control via smartphone apps, and alerts for cycle completion or maintenance issues.

4. Smart Thermostats and HVAC Systems: Thermostats and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
systems equipped with embedded devices can regulate indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality. They
may offer programmable schedules, energy-saving modes, and remote control via smartphone apps or
voice assistants.

5. Smart Home Security Systems: Home security systems with embedded devices include sensors, cameras,
and alarms to monitor and protect the premises. They may offer features such as motion detection,
door/window sensors, live video streaming, and remote monitoring and control via smartphone apps.

6. Smart Lighting Systems: Lighting systems with embedded devices can adjust brightness, color, and
ambiance based on user preferences or environmental conditions. They may offer features such as
customizable lighting scenes, scheduling, and integration with smart home automation platforms.

7. Smart TVs and Entertainment Systems: Smart TVs and entertainment systems feature embedded devices
with internet connectivity, allowing users to stream content from online services, access apps, and interact
with voice assistants. They may also offer features like personalized recommendations, screen mirroring,
and control via smartphone apps.

8. Smart Home Appliances: Various other home appliances, such as coffee makers, dishwashers, vacuum
cleaners, and door locks, are increasingly incorporating embedded devices to offer automation,
connectivity, and remote control features.

These embedded devices enhance the functionality, convenience, and efficiency of appliances, enabling
users to manage and interact with them more intuitively and effectively. They form an integral part of the
broader ecosystem of smart home technology, contributing to the trend of interconnected and automated
living spaces.
6. Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM):

Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM) is a software framework for enabling the development and execution of
parallel applications on distributed computing platforms. It provides a set of libraries and tools that allow
programmers to create parallel programs that can run on a network of heterogeneous computers. PVM
abstracts away the underlying hardware and network topology, providing a virtual machine interface that
enables communication and coordination among distributed processes.

Key features of PVM include:

1. Portability: PVM is designed to be portable across different hardware architectures and operating systems.
It provides a consistent programming interface, allowing parallel programs to run on a variety of platforms
without modification.

2. Scalability: PVM supports the execution of parallel programs on distributed computing environments
ranging from small clusters to large-scale supercomputers. It can dynamically adapt to the number of
available processors and network resources, allowing applications to scale to meet changing computational
demands.

3. Message Passing: PVM relies on message passing as the primary communication mechanism between
parallel processes. It provides a set of functions for sending and receiving messages between processes,
enabling coordination and data exchange among distributed components.

4. Fault Tolerance: PVM includes mechanisms for fault tolerance, allowing parallel applications to continue
execution in the presence of hardware failures or network disruptions. It supports process migration,
checkpointing, and recovery to ensure the robustness and reliability of parallel computations.

5. Load Balancing: PVM provides facilities for load balancing and dynamic task allocation, allowing parallel
applications to distribute computational workload evenly across available resources. This helps maximize
the utilization of computing resources and improve overall performance.

6. Interoperability: PVM is interoperable with other parallel programming models and libraries, such as MPI
(Message Passing Interface) and OpenMP. This enables developers to leverage existing parallel algorithms
and code bases within the PVM framework.

Overall, PVM simplifies the development and deployment of parallel applications by providing a high-level
abstraction for distributed computing. It allows programmers to focus on algorithm design and application
logic, while abstracting away the complexities of distributed systems and communication protocols. PVM
has been used in various scientific and engineering domains to tackle computationally intensive problems,
such as numerical simulations, data analysis, and modeling.
Sure! Here's a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of using PVM (Parallel Virtual Machine):

Advantages:

1. Portability: PVM is highly portable, allowing parallel applications to run across different hardware
architectures and operating systems.
2. Scalability: It supports parallel programs on distributed computing platforms of various sizes, from small
clusters to large-scale supercomputers.
3. Flexibility: PVM provides a flexible programming model for implementing a wide range of parallel
algorithms and applications.
4. Message Passing: PVM simplifies parallel programming with asynchronous message passing, facilitating
efficient coordination and data exchange.
5. Fault Tolerance: PVM includes mechanisms for fault tolerance, ensuring the reliability of parallel
applications in the face of hardware failures or network issues.
6. Interoperability: It can work with other parallel programming models and libraries, enabling developers to
leverage existing code bases and algorithms.

Disadvantages:

1. Overhead: PVM introduces overhead in terms of message passing and coordination, impacting the
performance of parallel applications.
2. Complexity: Developing parallel programs with PVM requires understanding distributed computing
concepts, making it challenging for novice programmers.
3. Limited Support: Compared to other models like MPI, PVM has a smaller user base and fewer support
resources.
4. Scalability Challenges: Achieving optimal performance on large-scale systems may require careful
optimization.
5. Dependency on Network Performance: The performance of PVM-based applications is heavily influenced
by network performance and latency.

7. Jini

Jini is a technology developed by Sun Microsystems (now part of Oracle) for building and deploying
distributed systems. It provides a framework for creating and managing dynamic, adaptive networks of
devices and services in a distributed environment. Here's a summary of Jini in distributed systems:
1. Service-Oriented Architecture: Jini promotes a service-oriented architecture (SOA) approach, where
services are decoupled and interact with each other over a network. Services are represented as Java
objects that can be dynamically discovered, accessed, and used by other components in the system.

2. Dynamic Discovery and Join: One of the key features of Jini is its ability to dynamically discover and join
services on a network. When a new service becomes available, it registers itself with a lookup service, which
allows other services and clients to discover and access it.

3. Service Lookup and Invocation: Jini provides a lookup service that acts as a registry for services on the
network. Clients can query the lookup service to find services that meet their requirements and then invoke
methods on those services remotely.

4. Leasing and Renewal: Jini introduces the concept of leasing, where clients can lease services for a specific
period of time. Leases can be renewed to extend the duration of service usage. This mechanism helps
manage resource allocation and ensures the availability of services.

5. Fault Tolerance and Scalability: Jini is designed to be fault-tolerant and scalable. Services can be
replicated across multiple nodes to provide redundancy and fault tolerance. Clients can access services
through load balancing and failover mechanisms.

6. Security: Jini provides security features such as authentication, authorization, and encryption to protect
communication between services and clients. It supports pluggable security providers for implementing
custom security policies.

7. Platform Independence: Jini is implemented in Java and runs on any platform that supports the Java
Virtual Machine (JVM). This platform independence allows Jini-based distributed systems to be deployed
across heterogeneous environments.

8. Application Examples: Jini can be used in various distributed system applications, such as networked
printers, distributed file systems, collaborative computing environments, and Internet of Things (IoT)
systems.

Overall, Jini provides a powerful framework for building distributed systems that are dynamic, adaptable,
and scalable. It simplifies the development and deployment of networked services by providing
mechanisms for discovery, invocation, leasing, and fault tolerance. While Jini adoption has been limited in
recent years, its concepts and principles have influenced other distributed computing technologies and
frameworks.

8. Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA):

Is an architectural style for designing and building software applications as a collection of loosely coupled,
interoperable services. These services represent discrete units of functionality that can be accessed and
combined to fulfill business requirements. Here's an overview of SOA:

1. Service: A service is a self-contained, modular unit of functionality that performs a specific task or
provides access to a resource. Services are designed to be platform-independent and can be accessed
remotely over a network using standardized communication protocols.

2. Loose Coupling: Services in an SOA are loosely coupled, meaning they are independent of each other and
can be developed, deployed, and maintained independently. This allows for flexibility and agility in
composing and evolving applications.

3. Interoperability: SOA promotes interoperability between services by using open standards and protocols
for communication, such as HTTP, XML, SOAP, and REST. This enables services to communicate and
exchange data with each other, regardless of the underlying technology stack.
4. Reusability: Services in an SOA are designed to be reusable across multiple applications and business
processes. This promotes code reuse, reduces development time and effort, and improves maintainability.

5. Abstraction: SOA abstracts the implementation details of services from consumers, allowing them to
interact with services through well-defined interfaces or contracts. This separation of concerns simplifies
service consumption and promotes service autonomy.

6. Scalability and Flexibility: SOA enables applications to scale and evolve independently by breaking them
down into smaller, manageable components. Services can be deployed and scaled independently based on
demand, allowing for better resource utilization and scalability.

7. Service Discovery and Composition: SOA provides mechanisms for service discovery, allowing consumers
to locate and access services dynamically. Services can be composed and orchestrated to create complex
business processes or workflows, enabling flexible and adaptable solutions.

8. Governance and Management: SOA emphasizes governance and management practices to ensure the
quality, security, and compliance of services. This includes defining service contracts, enforcing policies,
monitoring performance, and managing service lifecycles.

9. Legacy Integration: SOA facilitates the integration of legacy systems and applications by exposing them as
services. This enables organizations to leverage existing investments in technology while modernizing their
IT infrastructure.

10. Cloud Computing and Microservices: SOA principles have influenced modern paradigms like cloud
computing and microservices architecture, which emphasize service-oriented, decentralized, and scalable
approaches to building and deploying software applications.

Overall, SOA provides a flexible and scalable architectural foundation for designing distributed systems that
are modular, interoperable, and aligned with business objectives. It enables organizations to build agile,
adaptable, and resilient applications that can evolve with changing requirements and technologies.

9. Recent trends in distributed systems:

- Maturity and widespread adoption of edge computing.

- Evolution of serverless platforms for enhanced scalability and ease of use.
- Expansion of decentralized technologies like blockchain beyond cryptocurrencies.
- Integration of AI and machine learning into distributed systems for data analysis and optimization.
- Adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud architectures for seamless workload deployment and management.
- Emphasis on event-driven architectures for reactive and scalable distributed systems.
- Increasing focus on ethical and regulatory considerations, particularly regarding data privacy and security.
- Efforts towards environmental sustainability through energy-efficient distributed systems.
- Collaboration across interdisciplinary fields to address emerging challenges and opportunities in
distributed computing.
Certainly, here's a brief explanation of Prometheus, Zabbix, and Nagios in bullet points:

- Prometheus:
- Open-source monitoring and alerting toolkit initially developed by SoundCloud.
- Designed for reliability, scalability, and easy integration with other systems.
- Collects metrics from monitored targets using a pull model.
- Provides a powerful query language (PromQL) for metric analysis and visualization.
- Supports dynamic service discovery, alerting, and multi-dimensional data model.

- Zabbix:
- Open-source network monitoring software with a wide range of features.
- Monitors the status and performance of network devices, servers, applications, and services.
- Collects data using agent-based or agentless monitoring methods.
- Offers real-time monitoring, alerting, and visualization of metrics and performance trends.
- Supports auto-discovery of devices, flexible notification mechanisms, and customizable dashboards.

- Nagios:
- Open-source monitoring system for network, server, and application monitoring.
- Known for its flexibility, extensibility, and robustness.
- Uses plugins to monitor services and hosts, supporting both active and passive checks.
- Provides comprehensive alerting, reporting, and historical data logging.
- Supports distributed monitoring setups and integrates with various third-party tools and services.
Sure, here's a brief overview of Mach and Chorus in bullet points:

Mach:
- Developed at Carnegie Mellon University in the 1980s.
- Microkernel-based operating system kernel.
- Provides a minimalistic core with essential functions like scheduling, IPC, and memory management.
- Emphasizes message passing between kernel components and user-space servers.
- Designed for flexibility, extensibility, and portability across different hardware architectures.
- Used as the basis for various operating systems, including GNU Hurd and macOS (XNU kernel).

Chorus:
- Developed by Chorus Systems in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Distributed operating system targeting parallel and networked computing environments.
- Features a microkernel architecture with modular services running in user space.
- Provides advanced features like transparent distribution, fault tolerance, and real-time capabilities.
- Designed for scalability, high availability, and support for heterogeneous hardware platforms.
- Used in various applications, including telecommunications, embedded systems, and distributed
computing clusters.