An object-passing model for parallel programming

This paper introduces an object-passing model for parallel and distributed application development. Object passing provides the object-oriented application developer with powerful yet simple methods to distribute and exchange data and logic (objects) among processes. The model extends message passing, while exploiting the advantages of the object-oriented paradigm. In addition, the model provides a portable framework for executing applications across multiple platforms, thus effectively exploiting available resources to gain more processing power. A number of advantages aspects adopting object passing are discussed, in addition to highlighting the differences between message passing, represented by MPI, and object passing. Another advantage is the model´s suitability for heterogeneous systems. When implemented with a portable language like Java, it can support parallel and distributed applications spanning a collection of heterogeneous platforms. This form of execution will eventually allow for full utilization of available resources for any given application written using this model.