SIGBDP 6 (Panel Discussion): Innovations on computer charging mechanisms

The management of computers operating in shared environments and computer networks has become an increasingly common and complex problem. This session is oriented around new concepts and methodologies related to the management of computer resources in these situations. In the 1950's the basis for charging mechanisms for the usage of computer systems was fairly simple and straight-forward due to the serial processing nature of the systems then in use. Since that time, the nature of the problem has complicated significantly due to the evolution of both the multi-programming and multi-processor systems as well as the more prevalent use of sharing computers on computer networks. Today we find ourselves in the environment where resource sharing of computational and communications capabilities is the norm, and with it comes a significant requirement for efficient, logical, and effective charging mechanisms not only to provide a basis for equitably distributing costs but also to provide a basis for a reasonable mechanism for sharing of these resources among the various users.