Dynamically updating distributed software: supporting change in uncertain and mistrustful environments

A dynamic program updating system is a tool that replaces a running computer program with a new version, without stopping the currently running program. A method is described for extending an existing updating system to a distributed environment. These extensions allow distributed programs written using the remote procedure call paradigm to be dynamically updated. The approach scales to a geographically distributed computing environment and supports computer systems that contain heterogeneous hardware and software. Programs that execute on computer systems owned by multiple administrative entities can also be updated using this approach