3.1 Self-* Software Architectures and Component Middleware in Pervasive Environments

George Edwards, University of Southern California
Chiyoung Seo, University of Southern California
Daniel Popescu, University of Southern California
Sam Malek, George Mason University
Nenad Medvidovic, University of Southern California

Abstract
Software systems that execute in embedded and pervasive environments are frequently required to be self-monitoring, self-adapting, and self-healing. However, supporting these self-* capabilities in pervasive environments creates a number of unique engineering challenges. This paper first describes the challenges that we believe to be the most significant based on our experience developing real-world pervasive software applications with self-* capabilities. We then discuss each challenge in the context of four strategies commonly employed in self-* systems: dynamic software update, service discovery, transparent replication, and logical mobility. Finally, we explain how each strategy is implemented in our architectural middleware platform, Prism-MW.

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