Unique. First textbook to challenge the currently dated distributed systems curricula
Modern. First text to cover a whole new class or layer of software - middleware - and its significance for building applications in a networked environment
Sensible. Covers key and stable technologies and concentrates on engineering principles rather than tools and widgets
Strong Student-orientation. Chapters will start with a statement of learning objectives and end with a summary of key points and list of questions for self assessment
Instructor-friendly. Each chapter will include material that can be taught in two lectures and an Instructors Guide offers routes through material depending upon background of students