Remote Capabilities in Computer Networks.
John M. Foster, I. F. Currie · Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) · 1986
System-wide types, capabilities and procedure values can be used in computer networks to improve control of access and flexibility. This paper describes a network system based on these ideas. They provide a standard, uniform way of referring to data and using procedures in remote computers, with control over access and system type-checking. A working experimental version of the system exists, implemented on Flex computers, which provide microcoded support of capabilities. The mechanisms are such that normal programs written in terms of procedures, even those using procedure parameters, can be converted into network services without change. A possible way of implementing a similar scheme on conventional hardware is discussed.