A capability-based persistent distributed shared memory

This thesis presents research into the application of the Distributed Shared Memory paradigm to distribution of an existing persistent store based on a large uniform virtual memory. Control of access to this store is provided by support at the architectural level for capability-based addressing. Distribution of the store increases the number of potentially faulty system components, making the store more susceptible to failure. It also extends the potential domain of effect of the failure of a single machine to any subset of the set of machines connected to the network. For this reason the related topic of stability of the store is also investigated. The distributed system described in this thesis hides such distribution from the user, providing a stable and secure persistent environment. Features of the distributed store include naming and location transparency, system-wide data coherency, and fine-grained control over access to data and programs. Moreover, programs written for nonnetworked use execute without change in the distributed environment.