Key Concepts of the INCAS Multicomputer Project

TLDR

The paper outlines the INCAS multicomputer project, aiming to develop a comprehensive methodology for designing and implementing locally distributed systems. The project introduces a structuring concept integrated into the LADY system implementation language, a concurrent actor‑model language CSSA, a distributed test methodology, and demonstrates these with an experimental system on ten MC68000 microcomputers. Preliminary experiments with prototype applications have provided initial experience with the methodology.

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of the INCAS (INCremental Architecture for distributed Systems) multicomputer project, which aims at the development of a comprehensive methodology for the design and implementation of locally distributed systems. A structuring concept for distributed operating systems has been developed and integrated into the system implementation language LADY. The concurrent high-level programming language CSSA, based on the actor model, has been designed for the implementation of distributed applications. A substantial effort in the INCAS project is directed towards the development of a distributed test methodology. An experimental system has been implemented on a network of ten MC68000 microcomputers. Preliminary experience with the methodology has been gained from a small number of prototype applications.