US 6,480,861 B1 · Distributed adaptive computing

Abstract

A system and a method for managing, organizing, and allocating service providers in the operational environment of a distributed computer network by applying trade and price mechanisms to a plurality of resource allocation decisions. Local resource allocation rules are set forth for maintaining a near-optimal, global load distribution. The service providers are dynamically allocated based upon the supply of the providers and the demand thereof. An automated mechanism, based on service provider reputation, channels demand away from failing or broken service providers. Strategic load balancing rules cause the elimination of ineffective service providers, and also provide a dynamic replication of service providers that cannot handle the current demand. Further, a method for managing the overall system behavior utilizes administrative surcharges.

Claims31

Dependent claims

A resource allocation system comprising:

(a) a plurality of service providers,
(b) a plurality of service requestors, and
(c) a service broker,
wherein the service providers, service requestors, and service broker are all accessible from a computer network, the service broker using a service provider allocation directory to allocate service providers to service requestors based upon dynamically-changing pricing constraints,
wherein the service provider allocation directory associates each of a plurality of service providers with a first indicator specifying a type or class of service provider, a second indicator specifying the location of the service provider on the computer network, and a third indicator specifying a base price for the service.

2 more elements

In a computer network, a method including the steps of:

(a) allocating a plurality of service providers among a plurality of service requestors according to the relative priorities of processes which request the use of a respective service provider, and
(b) associating each process with information setting forth the manner in which a service requestor will use that service if it is allocated to that service requestor;
wherein the plurality of service providers include any of a database, a computer program, a person providing services over a computer network, an information resource, or a hardware resource such as a fax machine, a printer, or a data storage drive;
wherein the service requestors include any of computer programs and devices accessible from the computer network for use by one or more individuals requesting one or more service providers;
wherein the service request includes the type or class of service desired, as well as a budget specifying the maximum price that the service requestor will pay for that service;
further including the step of service providers sending availability messages to the service broker indicating the availability of one or more services, each availability message identifying the type or class of service, location of the service and associating each service with a base price and attribute prices.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Distributed adaptive computing

Life of this patent

Distributed adaptive computing

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31