Language constructs and support systems for distributed computing

This paper describes programming constructs and system support functions that are intended to facilitate the programming of reliable distributed systems. The systems considered include very different kinds of computers communicating through a network. Such a heterogeneous network offers a number of advantages to designers of applications software. Different machines emphasize different capabilities and many problems naturally break down into subproblems that are best solved with specialized resources. There is clearly a need for programming tools that will allow users to exploit this kind of environment.