Abstract: A scalable system and method for locating a closest server in response to a client request via an interactive distribution network, such as the Internet, are provided. A closest content server is defined as having the least round trip time for responding to a client request. The system including a plurality of content servers; and a local server in communication with a plurality of clients, the local server acting as a proxy for communicating client requests from clients to a redirection server. Client network distance and load information is periodically collected at each content server in the network from clients communicating with each of the respective content servers. The redirection server periodically aggregates the network distance and load information from each content server to create client clusters from both current and previously aggregated network distance and load information. Each client cluster represents a division or partition of the total IP address space.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for determining an amount of reserve material required to meet demand. A period of uncertainty during which varying demand for a product or component must be considered may be computed by taking into account various time intervals relating to the time required to obtain a component of a product and to and incorporate it into a product that is ready for delivery. The number of reserve products or components required may be computed by taking into account the demand for the component. The demand may suitably be expressed in terms of a forecast demand per time unit and a variance factor that provides a desired assurance that demand can be met in the face of deviations from the forecast demand. The forecast demand and variance factor are used to compute a reserve needed in light of the period of uncertainty for the product or component being considered.

Abstract: A scalable system and method for locating a closest server in response to a client request via an interactive distribution network, such as the Internet, are provided. A closest content server is defined as having the least round trip time for responding to a client request. The system including a plurality of content servers; and a local server in communication with a plurality of clients, the local server acting as a proxy for communicating client requests from clients to a redirection server. Client network distance and load information is periodically collected at each content server in the network from clients communicating with each of the respective content servers. The redirection server periodically aggregates the network distance and load information from each content server to create client clusters from both current and previously aggregated network distance and load information. Each client cluster represents a division or partition of the total IP address space.