The design of a real-time distributed system

In modern physics experiments an increasing number and variety of programmable processors is used. As a consequence, a software environment is needed that provides an integrated approach to development, testing and use of real-time distributed software. This contribution is based on work being done in the AMOEBA Distributed Operating System Project and the FADOS Real-Time Distributed Operating System Project. A short description of both systems is presented as an example of how basic real-time operating system services can be organized. AMOEBA is the result of fundamental research in the field of distributed operating systems, while FADOS has been designed for applications as encountered in experimental high-energy physics. (Auth.)