A Metacomputer for the Internet
The Java Market can assign jobs to any participating Internet-connected machine.
It draws on the Cost-Benefit Framework and the Enhanced PVM Strategy.
Notes:
“Producers” with an idle machine to sell need only open their web browser to the Java Market page. “Consumers” of computational resources also connect to a web page, typing in information about where the Java Market can find the source code and input for their Java programs. The Java Market accepts source code rather than class files so that it can automatically convert applications to web-transferable applets that use the Java Market libraries.
The Java Market controls a pool of machines at any given time. It knows the CPU speed and the communication speed of each. Each time it places a job, it depletes its pools. This is the basis of its cost function. However, if the user needs an expensive machine to complete his job, and can afford an appropriate premium, the Market puts the job there.