Dynamic Adaptation of Parallel Codes: Toward Self-Adaptable Components for the Grid

One of the challenges that come from the emergence of Grid architectures is to invent new programming techniques for these new platforms. As we explain in this article, we think that the architecture of the applications should reflect both the parallel and the distributed aspects of Grid architectures. It results in applications built as assemblies of parallel components. Since Grid architectures are known to be highly dynamic, using resources efficiently on such architectures is a challenging problem. Software must be able to react dynamically to the changes of the underlying execution environment. In order to help developers to create software for the Grid, we are investigating a model for the adaptation of parallel components. This paper focuses on the adaptation mechanisms that are provided as a meta-level for components. We describe how a generic platform can help to develop efficient Grid software. First experimental results show the gain that can be expected from the use of such a platform.