Cross Platform Network Distribution Application

The project is to bring the existing software "Smedge" to the next level: Adding support for multiple operating systems and the ability to communicate more effeciently. Smedge is and needs to be very easy to setup and use, yet powerful and flexible enough for the varied needs of its established user base. Smedge is a tool for distributing a task across multiple machines. It employs a client/server architecture, where the server coordinates the action of the client machines to complete the task. Smedge also has an interface that allows control of both jobs and clients from any machine. The key to the success of the program is the simplicity of using it. The interface is very carefully designed to be simple, yet allow extensive customization if desired. The client/server architecture is mostly hidden from the user so that setup is as simple as executing the program. Smedge should be self-correcting and able to recover from even the most severe errors without losing its place. The goal of the programmer or team that does this work will be to rebuild the infrastructure of the program. Using a new modular design, the new code needs to be a stable, cross-platform base. ## Deliverables Complete and fully-functional working programs in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. Setup programs for each platform are needed as well. The product design is based heavily on the existing Smedge 2.x product. However, serious redesign work is in consideration given the nature of the cross-platform porting problems. A very rough draft of the new product spec is attached, and the existing product information can be seen at: [login to view URL] Many aspects of the design are like to evolve in discussions with the chosen development team. Complete copyrights to all work purchased. ## Platform The immediate target platforms are Windows (NT based: Windows NT 4, Windows 2000 and Windows XP) and Red Hat Linux 7.2. The structure of the program needs to be flexible enough to be able to add other platforms easily. Desired secondary target platforms are Irix (6.5 or later) and Mac OS-X. Other platforms that would be nice to be able to add at a later time would be other Windows and Mac versions, alternate Linux versions, and other Unix based OSes, possibly Solaris or HP-UX, depending on the needs of the user base. ## Deadline information The product should be into beta testing by 9-2-02.