(n.) For the purposes of this book, the platform is defined as the set of hardware and software components that define the execution environment for a service component. For example, a service component can be a binary or executable program compiled to run on the Solaris OS. In this case, the platform defines both the API and ABI. The API is defined by the operating system component, and the ABI is defined by the platform as a whole. A Java software applet that runs on the Java Virtual Machine is said to run on the Java platform. An Enterprise JavaBeans technology-enabled client that runs within a J2EE application server is said to run on the J2EE platform.
See also [application binary interface (ABI)]
policy
(n.) Definite goal, course, or method of action to guide and determine present and future decisions. Policies are implemented or executed within a particular context (such as, policies defined within a business unit). It can also mean a set of rules to administer, manage, and control access to network resources. These definitions are not contradictory because individual rules can be defined in support of business goals.
provisioning
(n.) With specific regard to a service or service component in the context of the N1 Grid technology, provisioning is the act of installing, configuring, binding, and instantiating the service or component. For more information, see "Provisioning the Infrastructure" on page 168.
