Abstract: A system providing methodology for policy-based resource allocation is described. In one embodiment, for example, a system for allocating computer resources amongst a plurality of applications based on a policy is described that comprises: a plurality of computers connected to one another through a network; a policy engine for. specifying a policy for allocation of resources of the plurality of computers amongst a plurality of applications having access to the resources; a monitoring module at each computer for detecting demands for the resources and exchanging information regarding demands for the resources at the plurality of computers; and an enforcement module at each computer for allocating the resources amongst the plurality of applications based on the policy and information regarding demands for the resources.

Abstract: A distributed system providing scalable methodology for real-time control of server pools and data centers is described. In one embodiment, a method is described for regulating resource usage by a plurality of programs running on a plurality of machines, the method comprises steps of: providing a resource policy specifying allocation of resources amongst the plurality of programs; determining resources available at the plurality of machines; detecting requests for resources by each of the plurality of programs running on each of the plurality of machines; periodically exchanging resource information amongst the plurality of machines, the resource information including requests for resources and resource availability at each of the plurality of machines; and at each of the plurality of machines, allocating resources to each program based upon the resource policy and the resource information.

Abstract: A multiprogrammed multiprocessor system comprises a plurality of processors and some communications resources such as networks through which the processors communicate with each other. A plurality of tasks may be executed on the system, and the allocation of the communications resources among the tasks is globally controlled. The allocation of resources among the tasks running on the system can be dependent on the signature of the tasks, where one component of a task signature is a measure of the communication resources needed by the task. The scheduling of a task running on the system may also be dependent on the signature of the task. The allocation of communications resources can be globally controlled using a variety of techniques including: packet injection into the communications resources using periodic strobing or using global flow control; using global implicit acknowledgments; by destination scheduling; by pacing; or by prioritized communication scheduling.