Policy-based dynamic reconfiguration of mobile-code applications

Global wireless networks have opened the way to a ubiquitous Internet computing environment in which a variety of portable devices remain connected to the Internet fabric - even as their locations change continuously - and access to data and services is independent of both device type and location. In this environment, applications must be able to change the location of their execution. In addition, they must allow heterogeneous and resource-limited portable devices to download only the device-specific software components needed for execution. Code mobility enables dynamic customization and configuration of ubiquitous Internet applications. Mobility complicates application programming by requiring developers to define when and where to move which components under varying operating conditions. A policy-based implementation framework supports high-level reconfiguration strategies that separate mobility concerns from application functionality.