Spatial computing: An emerging paradigm for autonomic computing and communication

Emerging distributed computing scenarios call for novel autonomic approaches to distributed systems development and management. In this position paper we analyze the distinguishing characteristics of those scenarios, discuss the inadequacy of traditional paradigms, and elaborate on primary role of space in modern distributed computing. In particular, we show that spatial abstractions promise to be basic necessary ingredients for a novel spatial computing paradigm, acting as a unifying framework for autonomic computing and communication. On this base, we propose a preliminary spatial computing stack to frame the key concepts and mechanisms of spatial computing. Eventually, we try to sketch a research agenda in the area.