Importance

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Abstract

A system for providing distributed control of a resource with centralized configuration management. A network of distributed workstations is provided for controlling a resource such as a large mainframe computer. Server workstations for applying control commands to the resource are attached to each resource, preferably through redundant connections. Remote client consoles are defined which may be connected to the server for control of that resource. Server and resource location and primary and fallback connection paths are maintained by a centralized control server. Upon client console request, the central control server causes the server workstation associated with a particular resource to establish a control session between the server and the client console. A record of each dynamic connection is maintained by the central control server. Upon failure of a client console, the server accesses central server fallback information and establishes a fallback connection with an operational client console. Failure of a server workstation causes the resource to establish a link with a backup server which is then able to recover all sessions with client consoles by accessing the dynamic configuration database of the central controller. Configuration data may be updated dynamically taking effect when the next request for establishment of a session is made. In an alternate embodiment, interprocess security is optionally implemented in control servers and hardware resource servers.

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First Claim