A calculus for a new component model in highly distributed environements

The current software systems and their corresponding deployment environments are highly com- plex and demanding. Multiple and unstable network technologies, resource-restricted devices, and mobility, are few examples of these complexities. In this paper we propose a new component model, called Cloud Component (CC), that copes with the challenges posed by mobile and pervasive en- vironments. Traditional distributed applications are based on distribution transparency, where a middleware layer is expected to handle and hide all remote communication. Cloud component model is the result of a paradigm shift from distribution transparency to localization acknowledg- ment, where all details of the deployment environment including networks and communication, mobile devices, constrained devices, and sensors, are considered a first class concern. The cloud component model is presented informally and formally with a mathematical notation. The infor- mal notation allows for faster comprehension of the general concepts. While the formal notation opens the door for a wide range of theoretical topics and provides a precise language to describe details. We also propose an assembly model to build large systems using CCs as building blocks. This assembly model is presented formally and fully implemented for the designer to be able to automatically check if his/her design conforms to the CC assembly model.