distributed system

[di′strib·yəd·əd ′sis·təm]

(computer science)

A computer system consisting of a collection of autonomous computers linked by a network and equipped with software that enables the computers to coordinate their activities and to share the resources of system hardware, software, and data, so that users perceive a single, integrated computing facility.

(control system)

A collection of modules, each with its own specific function, interconnected to carry out integrated data acquisition and control in a critical environment.

(systems engineering)

A system whose behavior is governed by partial differential equations, and not merely ordinary differential equations. Also known as distributed-parameter system.

distributed system

A collection of (probably heterogeneous) automata whose distribution is transparent to the user so that the system appears as one local machine. This is in contrast to a network, where the user is aware that there are several machines, and their location, storage replication, load balancing and functionality is not transparent. Distributed systems usually use some kind of client-server organisation.

Distributed systems are considered by some to be the "next wave" of computing.

Distributed Computing Environment is the Open Software Foundation's software architecture for distributed systems.

http://dstc.edu.au/AU/research_news/dist-env.html.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

distributed computing

(1) The use of multiple computers networked throughout a geographical area. The Internet is the world's largest distributed computing platform. See also grid computing.

(2) The use of multiple computers in an enterprise rather than one centralized system. This use of the term was coined in the late 1970s when minicomputers were installed in departments throughout a company instead of deploying terminals to a central mainframe. Contrast with centralized processing.

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