Research into creating autonomic systems won't be easy, but future computer systems will have to incorporate increased levels of automation if we expect them to manage the ballooning amount of data, the ever-expanding network and the increasing might of processing power.
To create autonomic systems researchers must address key challenges vith varying levels of complexity. Here is a partial list of the challenges we face.
System identity: Before a system can transact with other systems it must know the extent of its own boundaries. How will we design our systems to define and redefine themselves in dynamic environments?
Interface design: With a multitude of platforms running, system administrators face a briar patch of knobs. How will we build consistent interfaces and points of control while allowing for a heterogeneous environment?
Translating business policy into I/T policy: The end result needs to be transparent to the user. How will we create human interfaces that remove complexity and allow users to interact naturally with I/T systems?
Systemic approach: Creating autonomic components is not enough. How can we unite a constellation of autonomic components into a federated system?
Standards: The age of proprietary solutions is over. How can we design and support open standards that will work?
Adaptive algorithms: New methods will be needed to equip our systems to deal with changing environments and transactions. How will we create adaptive algorithms to take previous system experience and use that information to improve the rules?
We need your help.
If you are doing work that addresses any of these issues, send us a note with a link to your project information and a brief description of what you're doing. Send this information to webmaster@watson.ibm.com . BENEFITS
