[W/K] :: distributed system

  distributed system
       
          A collection of (probably heterogeneous) automata whose
          distribution is transparent to the user so that the system
          appears as one local machine.  This is in contrast to a
          network, where the user is aware that there are several
          machines, and their location, storage replication, load
          balancing and functionality is not transparent.  Distributed
          systems usually use some kind of client-server organisation.
       
          Distributed systems are considered by some to be the "next
          wave" of computing.
       
          Distributed Computing Environment is the Open Software
          Foundation's software architecture for distributed systems.
       
          http://www.dstc.edu.au/AU/research_news/dist-env.html).html">(http://www.dstc.edu.au/AU/research_news/dist-env.html).
       
          (1994-12-06)