Task scheduling in a multicomputer system

摘要

An improved method of executing a plurality of computer application programs on a multicomputer is disclosed. The present invention pertains to a task scheduling system in a multicomputer having nodes arranged in a network. The present invention comprises an allocator and scheduler component, which comprises processing logic and data for implementing the task scheduler of the present invention. The allocator and scheduler operates in conjunction with a partition to assign tasks to a plurality of nodes. A partition is an object comprising a plurality of items of information and optionally related processing functions for maintaining a logical environment for the execution of tasks of one or more application programs. Application programs are allowed to execute on one or more nodes of a partition. Moreover, a node may be assigned to more than one partition and more than one application program may be loaded on a single node. The allocator and scheduler provides allocator procedures used by application programs for identifying a node or group of nodes for inclusion in a partition. The allocator and scheduler also provides several data areas for the storage of information relevant to the allocation and scheduling of tasks. These data areas of the allocator and scheduler include a partition data area, an application data area, and a layer data area. The present invention provides a means and method for hierarchically linking application programs, layers, and partitions together to provide an optimal execution environment for the execution of a plurality of tasks in a multicomputer.