Abstract: A method and system for performing a movement of a service within a distributed system. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining one or more locations where the service is to be moved. The method further comprises for each of the one or more locations, computing a metric including a cross-cell cost (C-cost) or a data locality-cost (DL-cost) of the software service if a movement of the software service to a location was to occur, prior to performing the movement of the software service; and modelling a latency and availability of the system due to the movement of the software service to the location based on the metric. The method further comprises performing the movement of the service based on the modelled latency and availability of the system.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a movement of a service within a distributed system. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining one or more locations where the service is to be moved. The method further comprises for each of the one or more locations, computing a metric including a cross-cell cost (C-cost) or a data locality-cost (DL-cost) of the software service if a movement of the software service to a location was to occur, prior to performing the movement of the software service; and modelling a latency and availability of the system due to the movement of the software service to the location based on the metric. The method further comprises performing the movement of the service based on the modelled latency and availability of the system.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a movement of a service within a distributed system. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining one or more locations where the service is to be moved. The method further comprises for each of the one or more locations, computing a metric including a cross-cell cost (C-cost) or a data locality-cost (DL-cost) of the software service if a movement of the software service to a location was to occur, prior to performing the movement of the software service; and modelling a latency and availability of the system due to the movement of the software service to the location based on the metric. The method further comprises performing the movement of the service based on the modelled latency and availability of the system.

Abstract: A method of providing a stamp unit assembly with a tracking code comprising the steps of receiving a roll of stamp unit assemblies, providing the roll to a printer, applying a tracking code to each individual stamp in the roll of stamp unit assemblies using the printer, and separating the roll of stamp unit assemblies into individual mail stamp unit assemblies. The tracking code, in combination with a database having other codes associated with stages of the distribution of the stamp allows the vendor of the stamp to be determined from an inspection of the stamp.

Abstract: A system, method and related apparatus are described for reducing channel conflict between a manufacturer's direct sales channel and an indirect sales channel of independent sellers. The method generally includes receiving customer orders from the sellers or on behalf of the sellers through the indirect sales channel and receiving customer orders directly through the direct sales channel. A defined portion of the revenue derived through the direct sales channel is allocated into a compensation pool. At the end of a distribution cycle, the compensation pool is distributed among a plurality of sellers in the indirect sales channel based on each seller's sales contribution.