Deriving grid applications from abstract models

An Orc-based abstract model of grid computation is used as a basis for re-engineering a grid-oriented skeleton based programming environment to remove one of the skeleton system’s recognized weak points. Lightweight reasoning about non-functional properties is used to guide the redesign of the system. It is argued that such a use of a formal model delivers significant return for small investment. The approach is then extended by enhancing Orc specifications with metadata to capture non-functional properties of systems being specified. It is shown that this approach allows reasoning about cost and security in a qualitative way that is consistent with actual experimental results.