Modelling adaptive systems

[Alan Pengelly]

Were currently looking at the development of adaptive systems both from
an IS and network perspective. In fact, you could generalise our work to
the autonomous control of distributed systems. Hence, we are interested in
cybernetics, machine learning etc. Something that we are particularly
interested in is using system dynamics to model these systems. The `system
may be a network of databases, or a network of switches (telecoms network).
We want to investigate different system architectures and adaption algorithms.
Typically we are trying to optimise performance, such as overall response
time. But again, this could be generalised to any `objective. My question is
whether systems dynamics is an appropriate approach. Also, which tool support
would you suggest? If SD is suitable, do any of you know of any academic
research which fits in with our line of work? We would be interested in
sponsoring further research.

regards

Alan
apengell@srd.bt.co.uk

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Dr Alan Pengelly
Project Manager
Software Engineering Lab.
BT Labs.
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk IP5 7RE
England

tel : +44 1473 646652
fax : +44 1473 642299