Distribution + Persistence = Global Virtual Memory

The Distributed Systems Group at the University of New South Wales is currently constructing a distributed operating system based on global virtual memory (GVM). Unlike previously published systems, our system combines local and remote storage into a single large virtual address space. This provides a uniform method for naming and accessing objects regardless of their location, removes the distinction between persistent and transient data, and simplifies the migration of data and processes. Our GVM system uses conventional computing nodes connected to specialised network interfaces. A fault-tolerant migration and replication protocol keeps the system operational and consistent in case of network errors or node crashes. Password capabilities are used to control access to the GVM