Distributed Hosting of Systems using donated Computer Resources

Abstract

To host a value-added internet service, like a web page with a large user base, an organization either has to rely on cash donations or it has to monetize the service. The monetization of the service often means degrading the quality of the service or making it less appealing. This is why this project introduces a new business model where services can be run by the users themselves by letting them donate computer resources. This again should lower the operating cost of the service. The new business model is introduced by developing a framework that allows developers to implement their services in a way that let dedicated users participate in hosting the service. First the framework was developed, and then the framework was used to develop an example implementation of a distributed web page. For it to be realistic that users would be able to partake in an operation like this, a project goal was to make sure that the technical demand from users are low. The framework is written with this in mind and the reached simplicity is presented at the end of the report.