Peers In A Client Server World provides a comprehensive overview of emerging peer-to-peer (P2P) technologies that have revolutionized the way we think about distributed computing and the internet. These technologies are compared to alternative solutions, most notably web services and Grid computing but also other technologies, such as client/server based systems and agent technologies. A wide range of diverse middleware and application-based technologies are covered, such as JXTA, Jini, Globus, Web services, OGSA, J2EE, Napster and Gnutella, with an emphasis given on the architecture employed and security model chosen. Each technology and its capabilities are analyzed in the context of the degree of centralization or decentralization they employ. A resulting taxonomy is created that gives the reader a context in which to consider the most advanced and broad ranging distributed systems available today, and provides them with an essential reference text for designing new distributed systems.
Internet usage has evolved from a predominately client/server-based Web server interaction to additionally involving the use of more decentralized applications through which users contribute more equally in the role of the application as a whole - and still further to distributed communities based around the Web.
This broad-ranging new edition of a classic textbook/reference provides a comprehensive overview of emerging distributed-systems technologies and has been significantly enhanced and extended to cover the many new, state-of-the-art infrastructures and technologies that have since appeared. The focus is also broadened, retaining the technical aspects, but additionally including useful historical contexts for each of the technologies.
Features:
Fills in the gaps and includes an additional 8 chapters on highly popular developments, including BitTorrent, Web Services specifications and Web 2.0, as well as the underlying technologies used by these
Includes helpful learning tools to aid the reader s understanding, such as a thorough foundational introduction, end-of-chapter conclusions, and pointers to online information for further reading, etc.
Offers a more applied approach, with a comprehensive representation of the distributed systems field
Describes various possible communication methods from history and the basic connectivity
Presents a unique combination of P2P, Web services and grid technologies discussion that is both in-depth and accessible
Provides additional helpful info at www.p2pgridbook.com
This easy-to-follow textbook/reference retains the detailed aspects of the successful first edition and is now substantially expanded, providing the reader with a comprehensive context in which to consider the most advanced and broad-ranging distributed systems available today. It is an essential reference text for designing new distributed systems, offering invaluable insight to both students and researchers.
Ian J. Taylor is a senior lecturer in the School of Computer Science at Cardiff University, teaching two Distributed Systems courses. He holds an adjunct assistant professorship at Louisiana State University and consults independently with the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C. Andrew Harrison is a research fellow/associate, also in the School of Computer Science at Cardiff University.
