Replication Techniques in Distributed Systems

This text organizes and surveys the spectrum of replication protocols and systems that achieve high availability by replicating entities in failure-prone distributed computing environments. The entities discussed in this book vary from passive untyped data objects, to typed and complex objects, to processes and messages. It contains definitions and introductory material suitable for a beginner, theoretical foundations and algorithms, an annotated bibliography of commercial and experimental prototype systems, as well as short guides to recommended further readings in specialized subtopics. This book can be used as recommended or required reading in graduate courses in academia, as well as a handbook for designers and implementors of systems that must deal with replication issues in distributed systems.