Gaps++: an Internet-based Petri Net Modeling and Simulation Architecture

GAPS ++ is an open, Internet-based software architecture for modeling and simulating dynamic system behavior using high-level Petri nets. It is designed as a collection of collaborating software components and is based on distributed object technology. GAPS ++ facilitates a exible combination of independent modeling, analysis and simulation tools located on diierent computers on the Internet. Every GAPS ++ component has a built-in HTTP server. This makes it possible to inspect its current state with a conventional WWW browser at every moment.A directory service helps to locate instances of a required component type and provides the necessary contact information. GAPS ++ components may be added or removed without aaecting the operation of the system as a whole. As an example for a complex GAPS ++ component, a distributed Petri net editor is presented.