Probabilistic Application-Level Connection Scheduling in Web Servers

A Web server running a popular Web site might simultaneously service hundreds or even thousands of requests. Many traditional Web servers let the operating system decide the connection scheduling—that is, the order in which requests are serviced—and, in fact, most simply do so on a first-come, first-served basis. In many cases, however, it can be extremely useful, if not downright necessary, to have application-level control over scheduling policies. Application-level connection scheduling lets server administrators specify the scheduling rules they want to impose, rather than relying on programmers to do it. Two obvious cases where this might be useful are: • When different users have different priorities. To determine request priority for different user groups, you can use business rules to determine processing order. This lets you provide differentiated quality of service levels to different clients. • When Web server traffic is bursty. For example, the average peak-hour traffic is typically several times the average daily traffic. Rather than overprovision the server, you can turn to differentiated QoS as a more judicious approach to resource use under high-load conditions. Application-level connection scheduling also offers another benefit that is rathe

Ltd. Abstract

Realization of SOA is a challenge and requires well designed common mechanisms to define, create, manage, services through standards compliant prebuilt, pre-configured set of functionalities. In this paper we present a solution, experiences in developing an automated resource management system (ARMS), for workforce management, as part of the Field Services optimization programme of a large telecom services provider. We present a model for SOA realization and application of this model through Radien- a J2EE based SOA framework 1

Exploring the role of fringe lenders in the lives of Queenslanders

The fringe lending sector in Australia has experienced considerable growth over the last decade. However, very little is known about the profile of the typical borrower or the typical lender – though much is assumed about the morality and motivation of both. Drawing upon findings from a pilot study conducted in Queensland during 2008‑2009, we discuss the changing landscape of fringe lending in Australia before exploring how borrowers and lenders construct their respective motivations and actions. We conclude that the use of fringe lenders by low‑income Australians provides useful insights into the growth of fringe lending in Australia and the limitations of policy responses that are trapped in the regulation versus non‑regulation debate. We suggest that a more appropriate response must also consider the wider context of insufficient incomes to meet increased living costs. The policy debate needs to ensure that it acknowledges the complex demand and supply reasons for increasing demand for short term credit. The debate also needs to recognise that, in the absence of alternatives, fringe lending products will remain a prominent aspect of the financial management strategies of Australians living on low incomes