In preparation for the EDCON conference, we present a series of articles to introduce the technology behind the iEx.ec Blockchain-based Distributed Cloud. The previous article gave an overview of iEx.ec. This article introduces the technology we use: XtremWeb-HEP, a middleware that allows us to use many machines on the Internet to execute distributed applications.

Introduction

XtremWeb-HEP (XWHEP), developed by CNRS-IN2P3, is based on XtremWeb by INRIA. It is a middleware permitting to deploy a distributed data processing infrastructure (computing grid). XWHEP belongs to the so called “Cycle Stealing” family that uses idle resources. Like some other grid middleware stacks, XWHEP uses remote resources (PCs, workstations, PDA, servers) connected to Internet, or a pool of resources inside a LAN. Thus this middleware is the cornerstone technology of the iEx.ec distributed Cloud because it allows the participant to share their computing resources, such as processor, application and/or data.

XWHEP is written in Java language permitting to run on different architectures. It’s a Free Software under Gnu Public License that easily enables applications of Global Computing and Peer to Peer distributed systems. XWHEP allows to setup and run Distributed Systems. Such project infrastructure may be based on a community of participants. For example, XWHEP allows high schools, universities and companies to setup and run a Global Computing or Peer to Peer distributed system for either a specific application or a range of applications.

XWHEP has been developed and used in the context of international IT projects funded by the European Union: EDGeS, EDGI, DEGISCO, and is part of the International Desktop Grid Federation.