Chapter 10

Complex Systems and Self-Organization

This chapter emphasizes the need to adopt a systemic approach to the engineering of modern computing and communication systems. Such an approach is critical to the future of large-scale systems such as clouds. A systemic approach is also critical to the development of other complex systems such as cyberphysical and sociotechnical systems, which are increasingly important in the modern computing landscape, along with computer clouds.

Complex systems exhibit different patterns of behavior than traditional systems and require new design principles based on a deeper understanding of the physical properties of their components and of the manner in which they interact with one another and with the environment. ...

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