0.6 Summary

I l @ ve RuBoard

This chapter described the challenges of developing networked applications and middleware that can run effectively in distributed computing environments. We introduced the inherent and accidental complexities encountered when developing software ranging from tightly constrained real-time and embedded systems [SLM98] to newly evolving middleware abstractions [MSKS00] and next -generation networked applications [SKKK00] with stringent QoS requirements. We presented a taxonomy of middleware layering, emphasizing the benefits of host infrastructure middleware, which is the focus of this book.

This chapter also introduced the results of a domain analysis of the key design dimensions for networked application architectures. These were grouped into four categories:

1. Communication protocols and mechanisms

2. Concurrency architectures

3. Service architectures and

4. Service configuration strategies.

This domain analysis has been refined while developing hundreds of networked applications and middleware components during the past decade . This analysis also guided the development of the ACE concurrent network programming toolkit. ACE exemplifies the principles and benefits gained through refactoring [FBB ⁺ 99] the recurring structure and behavior of networked applications into host infrastructure middleware. ACE's pattern-oriented software architecture constitutes an industrial-strength example of how proper object-oriented design and C++ usage can yield significant improvements in your development schedules and the quality, flexibility, and performance of your networked applications and middleware.

Finally, we introduced the networked logging service, which stores diagnostic information sent from one or more client applications. We use this example throughout the book to illustrate common design problems and their effective solutions using ACE. The next two parts of the book are organized as follows :

• Part I ” Chapters 1 through 4 outline communication design alternatives and describe the object-oriented techniques used in ACE to programming OS IPC mechanisms effectively.

• Part II ” Chapters 5 through 10 outline concurrency design alternatives and describe the object-oriented techniques used in ACE to program OS concurrency mechanisms effectively.

Throughout both parts of the book, we illustrate common problems that arise when developers design networked applications and when they program them using native OS IPC and concurrency APIs directly. We also show how ACE applies object-oriented design techniques, C++ features, and patterns to resolve these problems.

I l @ ve RuBoard