Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatuses and methods for multi-cast, multiple unicast, and unicast distribution of messages with time synchronized delivery are described. In some embodiments, the disclosed system and methods include a reference timekeeper providing a reference clock to one or more host computing devices. The one or more host computing devices host compute instances, and also contain respective isolated timing hardware outside the control of the compute instances. The isolated timing hardware of the one or more host computing devices then receive respective packets, and obtain the same time to deliver the respective packets. Each isolated timing hardware provides either the packet, or information to access the packet, to its respective destination compute instance subsequent to determining that the same specified time to deliver the packet has occurred. Thus, the respective packets are delivered near simultaneously to the one or more destination compute instances.

Abstract: A method for forming an investment casting core comprises cutting a patterned core precursor from refractory metal-based sheet. The cutting forms recast along the cuts. An oxide is grown on non-recast areas. The recast is substantially chemically removed but substantially leaving the oxide. The core precursor may then be shaped.

Abstract: Transitioning to a suspend to RAM sleeping state while also protecting against power losses while sleeping is provided. System state context data is saved to non-volatile storage and components in the computer system prepare to transition to a suspend to disc sleeping. A transition to the suspend to RAM sleeping state is then effected. Alternatively, after the system context is saved and the components are prepared to transition, the system may wake to a working state. The components may be directed to prepare for transitioning to a suspend to RAM sleeping state, and then the BIOS may be directed to execute the transition. In either embodiment, if power to the system is lost while the system is in the suspend to RAM system state, then the system may resume to a working state by reading the context file stored to non-volatile storage.

Abstract: A job processing framework according to the present invention allows an application to be developed independent of any particular service. Tasks performed by the application are broken up into smaller units of work, or “jobs,” which are each bound to a particular service at execution, or “deployment.” The binding occurs via a “deployer” comprising a configuration source. The configuration source includes instructions that bind particular jobs with a particular service. Therefore, if improved services are developed subsequent to the application, only the configuration source needs to be updated, not the application. Accordingly, significant time and expense is saved by allowing applications to be developed independent of particular services.

Abstract: A service interface enables an application to be developed independently from a particular service. At execution of the application, the application is wrapped or bound to a service. Advantageously, a configuration file includes instructions that bind particular applications with a particular service. Therefore, if improved services are developed after the application is written, only the configuration file needs to be updated, not the application source code. Accordingly, significant time and expense is saved by allowing applications to be developed independently from particular services.