Freeing your Computer from the Hardware

In this paper we propose an alternative software model for modern computing environments. The new model features the decoupling of software execution from the computer hardware by encapsulating all software execution in an abstraction we call capsules. We treat capsules as first class objects that can be named, controlled, migrated, and replicated. We argue that by putting software execution into capsules and treating them as first class objects we can address many of the important problems facing modern computing environments. We show how this structure can help deal with difficulties in system administration, security, and mobility. Furthermore, we describe a vision for a future capsulebased computing environment of a compute utility that allows an environment of distributed machines to be used and managed with ease, flexibility, and efficiency. Our prototype of the utility, call the Collective, uses capsules to provide mobility of user environments, fault-tolerance, and easier system administration. We describe the current implementation of the Collective that implements capsules as virtual machines on VMware’s x86-based virtual machine technology. The system is able to demonstrate the benefits of capsules while leveraging the huge base of applications written for x86-based personal computers.