Distributed processing in real time systems using message-passing on PCs

The possibilities and realities of real-time distributed processing in today´s PC LAN (local area network) world are examined. A useful real-world distributed application implemented on a QNX-based PC network is given. It is concluded that with the concepts presented many other distributed applications for real-time process control can be implemented on a PC network of low- or high-power PCs, taking advantage of the unused network resources available. The virtually unlimited processing power available on today´s PC-LANs will allow applications normally out of reach for a PC to become routinely available. It is believed that, with the right software tools and language compilers, many mini- and mainframe-class applications are a possibility