Relating Requirements and Architectures: A Study of Data-Grids

Author: Finkelstein Anthony   Gryce Clare   Lewis-Bowen Joe  

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

ISSN: 1570-7873

Source: Journal of Grid Computing, Vol.2, Iss.3, 2004-09, pp. : 207-222

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Abstract

The requirements and architecture of any complex software system are highly interdependent. We have studied the relationship between these two concerns in several data-Grid systems. Data-Grids are characterized by an infrastructure that focuses on the coordinated management of, and access to distributed data resources. We survey current data-Grid projects to demonstrate that a set of general requirements for data-Grid systems can be identified. Architectural styles are a way of highlighting design and engineering similarities between software systems. We consider the styles that are exhibited by current data-Grids and use a lightweight methodology to analyze how these styles support general requirements. Our conclusions provide guidelines to assist the data-Grid developer in making informed architectural choices.