Abstract
Proposes an alternative naming model for distributed systems which is specifically oriented towards support for naming in group work (for example, in applications such as joint editing and computer conferencing). The goal of the model is to allow a great deal of flexibility in naming and to support both individual and group use of names. A particular focus of the work is on mechanisms for evolving from the initial use of individual names towards common names for objects in a given group context as well as for translating names between different group members and gradually propagating changes in names. The overall aim of the paper is that this model could influence the design of future distributed CSCW systems and also suggest extensions to current name servers and directories. The authors discuss the requirements of a group oriented naming mechanism. They then focus on a flexible model of naming within a single naming context. Once this is established, they then look at how naming contexts could be federated in order to provide a more structured namespace suitable for large scale distributed systems.
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