Distributed Systems and Services
We explore emerging issues in the infrastructure and systems performance for the next generation of distributed/Internet computing. Our research is focussed on large-scale systems spanning communities, organisations, industries, and nations bringing together computational power, big data and human knowledge. Through this diversity we play a leading role in designing the next generation of systems and tools for:
- Evaluating the performance of cloud services
- Flexible software abstractions
- Heterogeneous hardware platforms
- Massive-scale simulation
- Virtual systems engineering
- Data centre scheduling and analysis.
Our research
Our current research can be grouped into four main areas, which have been applied in a wide range of domains including engineering, e-science, social science, business, health, technology-enhanced learning, and transport; nationally and internationally.
Architecture, security and dependability
This involves architecting and developing dependable and secure large-scale distributed systems. For examples, fault-tolerance, transactions, access control and dependable storage, with a focus on real-world cloud computing systems.
Performance and quality of service
This focuses on quality of Grid/Cloud-based services to enable organisations to efficiently manage their high-end computing resources. For examples, performance modelling, performance evaluation, trust, risk management, and service level agreements.
Collaboration in distributed environments
This builds on the semantic web which provides an additional layer of intelligence and interoperability for systems over the Internet. For examples, techniques to transit from requirements to semantics, models of collaborative working, and use of provenance as a means to reinforce trust.
Massive-scale simulation platforms
This focuses on the development of Cloud-based eco-systems facilitating an Internet of Simulation for running engineering and smart city simulations in as close to real-time as possible. For example models and simulations of individual components of a data-centre, vehicle, or city act as Virtual Things that combined together as Virtual Systems.
Collaborations and Partnerships
We collaborate extensively with other universities and companies across the world. Ongoing collaborations include:
- PSi – Programme for Simulation Innovation, with Jaguar Land Rover and universities across the UK
- TANGO - Transparent heterogeneous hardware Architecture deployment for eNergy Gain in Operation, with SMEs and universities across Europe.
Further information
View all members of our research group and publications.
PhD projects
We have opportunities for prospective postgraduate researchers. Find out more.
Contact us
If you are interested in collaborating with us or joining our research team, please contact Professor Jie Xu or Professor Karim Djemame.