Distributed Simulation and Simulation Practice

Abstract

The possibilities of distributed simulation have been discussed for well over a decade, yet there is only limited evidence of its implementation, particularly within industry. The reasons for this are discussed by identifying the potential applications of distributed simulation and linking these to the ways in which simulation is practiced. The extent to which distributed simulation is a demand led or technology led innovation is discussed. A possible contradiction between distributed simulation and good modeling practice is also identified, that is, the ability to develop large/complex models against the recommendation to develop simple models. This leads to three conclusions: not everyone needs distributed simulation, distributed simulation is both demand and technology led, and the possibilities of distributed simulation are both beneficial and dangerous to modeling practice.