Abstract: The invention relates to a method of managing a distributed computer system, comprising a group of nodes. The method comprises the following steps: a. sending a candidates master message from a given one of the node to other nodes in the group (906), b. recording receipt in the given node of candidate master messages from other nodes, until a first end-of-receipt condition is met, and c. upon receipt of candidate master message from other nodes at step b., starting in the given node a master election scheme between the given node and such other nodes having sent candidate master messages. The invention also relates to a corresponding distributed computer system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of managing a distributed computer system, comprising a group of nodes. The method comprises the following steps: a. sending a candidates master message from a given one of the node to other nodes in the group (906), b. recording receipt in the given node of candidate master messages from other nodes, until a first end-of-receipt condition is met, and c. upon receipt of candidate master message from other nodes at step b., starting in the given node a master election scheme between the given node and such other nodes having sent candidate master messages. The invention also relates to a corresponding distributed computer system.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a computer system comprising a first node, adapted to be connected via at least a link to a second node. The first node includes a receiving component capable of receiving repetitively a presence message comprising an indication of a current delay for a status detection of the second node, a handling component capable of determining the status of the second node from a delay derived from received delays, and from the time succession of receipt of said presence messages.

Abstract: The present invention describes a computer network including a network membership manager. In particular, a group of nodes on a computer network are managed by a distributed membership manager. Nodes of the computer network contain membership managers that manage the interaction between the nodes. Management of the computer network includes propagating configuration data to the nodes, providing an election process for determining the master node within a group of nodes, and monitoring the health of each node so that a change in the configuration and/or management structure can be accommodated by the nodes of the network.