Abstract: A queue-based task management system is provided. Unlike conventional queue-based task management systems, the system described herein does not handle all tasks in the conventional manner. Rather, tasks can be associated with one of several modes, including: a queue-mode (always storing the task in the queue) and an immediate-mode (record the task, but execute it immediately if possible). The two modes may be controlled programmatically to optimize utilization of system resources. Immediate-mode is implemented by monitoring available task system resources, and executing the task immediately in-process if there are resources available; otherwise the task is delegated to the queue. This in-process execution allows the sharing of parent task resources.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for predicting time remaining for currently-execution jobs. Rather than predict time remaining based on prior executions, time remaining is predicted based on what has happened so far in the current execution. In order to generate predictions for a currently-executing job instance based on statistics about the currently-executing job instance, the system tracks, for each monitored job instance: (a) how many completed-tasks are currently associated with the job instance, and (b) how many created-but-not-completed tasks are associated with the job instance, and then predicts (c) how many not-yet-created tasks the job instance is likely to have.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for predicting time remaining for currently-execution jobs. Rather than predict time remaining based on prior executions, time remaining is predicted based on what has happened so far in the current execution. In order to generate predictions for a currently-executing job instance based on statistics about the currently-executing job instance, the system tracks, for each monitored job instance: (a) how many completed-tasks are currently associated with the job instance, and (b) how many created-but-not-completed tasks are associated with the job instance, and then predicts (c) how many not-yet-created tasks the job instance is likely to have.

Abstract: A queue-based task management system is provided. Unlike conventional queue-based task management systems, the system described herein does not handle all tasks in the conventional manner. Rather, tasks can be associated with one of several modes, including: a queue-mode (always storing the task in the queue) and an immediate-mode (record the task, but execute it immediately if possible). The two modes may be controlled programmatically to optimize utilization of system resources. Immediate-mode is implemented by monitoring available task system resources, and executing the task immediately in-process if there are resources available; otherwise the task is delegated to the queue. This in-process execution allows the sharing of parent task resources.