Abstract: Allocating distributed computing resources comprises creating offers to provide the resources for use by application programs. Each offer specifies a performance characteristic and a value associated with a corresponding resource. Bids to obtain the resources for use by the application programs are created. Each bid specifies a service level required for operation of a corresponding application program and a value associated with operating the corresponding application program. Bids are matched to offers via a market exchange model by matching the service level requirement and value of each bid to the performance characteristic and value of one of the offers. Resources associated with each offer are allocated to the application program associated with a matching bid, and the application program's operations are migrated to the allocated resources. Resources are monitored to ensure compliance with the service level requirement of each bid, and non-complying resources are replaced via the market exchange model.

Abstract: Using an enhanced service contract to support the design, deployment, testing, and operation of an enterprise-wide service-oriented architecture. The enhanced service contract includes both static and dynamic parameters and may be contained in an electronic format to facilitate automating of certain design, deployment, testing, and operation functions. The enhanced service contract supports validating system requirements for a service, including developing test code used to test services. The enhanced service contract also supports performance testing during operations and supports allocating system costs and optimizing system resources.