From space projects to mundane computing tasks, distributed systems are very often better than a single monolithic design.
THERE ARE MANY instances, both in nature and business, of the virtues of distributed systems as compared to monolithic systems. One of the most obvious is the rise of open-source software, as argued persuasively by Eric Raymond in The Cathedral and the Bazaar (available online). He argues that “cathedrals” (hierarchical, well-organised companies which are the western norm, eg. IBM, Microsoft) will in the long run be defeated by “bazaars” (loosely federated groups of workers).
In the context of operating systems (the software that controls devices), and specifically of the UNIX and Linux systems (which is what Eric was focusing on), this prophecy has largely come true. Microsoft, so dominant in the last century, has now lost its monopoly.
If you consider smartphones and tablets as well, the newcomer operating system Android (from Google) now accounts for as much as 60 per cent of the world’s devices, with Apple’s iOS running another 10 per cent. And both are derived from UNIX and Linux; Microsoft Windows’ share, once 90 per cent, is around 30 per cent.
A major difference is that UNIX/ Linux are, fundamentally, distributed systems. The original design of UNIX was radically different from that of operating systems that existed before it, such as the monolithic IBM System/360. UNIX (and its rewrite Linux) depends on many small pieces of code, each of which does one thing well, and which are loosely connected (technically through “pipes”).
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The Hesitant Orbit
In order to march boldly ahead into the deep space, New Delhi must work towards building a station, boost its techno-economic planning and use the Indian Space Research Organisation smartly.
Nudges And Narratives
The debate surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati brings India a complex network of portraits within a cultural world-system.
The Spell Of Specialisation
THE INDIAN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE NEEDS AN URGENT REJIG. THE KEY TO SPEED AND EFFICIENCY LIES IN PUTTING AN END TO A GENERALIST APPROACH AND IN GOING FOR A NEW SERVICE.
The Great Gamble
With demonetisation, the prime minister has taken a huge risk— both economic and political. He must succeed, because this move could transform both our economy and our society.
The Lies And The Truth
The government must be bold enough to up-end the activists who are coming in the way of the nation’s agricultural progress.
Figuring Out China
China’s economic footprint is being followed by its military footprint. To know that is not be belligerent but to prepare oneself adequately.
Management 108
The Upanishads Have A Lot To Teach Today’s Executives When Outcomes Are Unpredictable, Relationships Complex, And Change Is The Name Of The Game.
Sunny Days Ahead
THE NEW GUIDELINES FOR TAXI SERVICES ARE SENSIBLE, RATIONAL, AND MORE THAN WELCOME.
The Cultural World-System
Despite much talk of “soft power”, the fact is that whichever way you slice it, Indian culture fares poorly at seeking or exercising it
The Hard Way Forward
India has been focused on software, but there are large opportunities to be seized in hardware. A primer, and some busting of myths.
