We examine the lifecycle requirements of intermittently connected web-applications (ICWAs) and investigate whether such applications can be developed as an “always connected” web-application combined with middleware that address ICWA requirements. We show that this is difficult to do because ICWAs require application-specific logic that is not easily combined with a middleware API. We therefore propose the use of “middleware components” in the areas of data-provisioning and change-set propagation. Combined with application-specific logic, these components make it easier to develop an ICWA by reducing the amount of required developer code. We show how our prototype UNTETHER system implements these components and reduces the burden on the application developer.
By: Avraham Leff, James T. Rayfield, Ravi Konuru, Raj Balasubramanian
Published in: RC25350 in 2013
LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOTICE:
This Research Report is available. This report has been submitted for publication outside of IBM and will probably be copyrighted if accepted for publication. It has been issued as a Research Report for early dissemination of its contents. In view of the transfer of copyright to the outside publisher, its distribution outside of IBM prior to publication should be limited to peer communications and specific requests. After outside publication, requests should be filled only by reprints or legally obtained copies of the article (e.g., payment of royalties). I have read and understand this notice and am a member of the scientific community outside or inside of IBM seeking a single copy only.
Questions about this service can be mailed to reports@us.ibm.com .