We discuss potential market mechanisms for the GRID. A complete dynamical model of a GRID market is defined with three types of agents. Providers, middlemen and users exchange universal GRID computing units (GCUs) at varying prices. Providers and middlemen have strategies aimed at maximizing profit while users are ’satisficing’ agents, and only change their behavior if the service they receive ...

In this paper, we consider a dynamic and decentralized market modeled by a noncooperative networked bargaining game. Our goal is to study how the network structure of the market and the role of middlemen influence the market’s efficiency and fairness. We introduce the concept of limit stationary equilibrium in a general trading network and use it to analyze how endogenous delay emerges in trade...

We develop a two-good model of North-South trade where middlemen mediate trade in the good exported by the South to overcome quality assurance problems. Middleman margins and entry into intermediation are endogenously determined by underlying distribution of entrepreneurial ability. Trade liberalization increases inequality in the Southern export sector, as middleman margins increase more than ...

This thesis describes a software distribution and maintenance system that reduces administration costs while increasing survivability. Contributions include design, implementation, and analysis. The system applies automation wherever possible and takes maximum advantages of economies of scale. The implementation extends an existing replication tool to provide multiplatform support, user assiste...