Review of Sapaty Book Proposal: Dec 8 1996
Geoffrey Fox.

First I choose the $75 and my SSN is 215-52-9736

The book describes an innovative and promising approach to distributed computing 
which is well regarded. In my opinion, the general ideas described in this book will have 
lasting value and will be an important component of next generation distributed 
computing and information systems. 
I believe that the book is well worth publishing but suggest that a possibly significant 
change be considered. Thus the current book is essentially entirely devoted to the author's 
own work - WAVE. I suggest that the book would have a broader appeal if it  contained 
more detailed discussions of other approaches. These could include classic distributed 
computing solutions like Legion or Condor and some of the many Web based computing 
environments. TeleScript could also be interesting to discuss. I suggest adding a couple of 
extra chapters. One after chapter 1, setting context with a review of  these other systems 
and one perhaps after chapter 5, contrasting WAVE in detail with party-line approaches.

Organization and Contents
I have already suggested changes in organization with addition of more general material. I 
would also like to add a chapter/discussion on what WAVE will not do (efficiently). For 
instance is WAVE an appropriate approach to parallel computational fluid dynamics? 
How WAVE interacts/coexists with other technologies such as MPI, HTTP and ISIS 
could be in this section. Apart from the discussed omissions, I think that the material 
looks interesting and well organized.

Style
I find Sapaty's style clear. I cannot judge terseness as only a correctly terse overview is 
provided. I would expect the text to be interesting but only easy to read for the technically 
savvy.

Market
I find the broad audience claimed by the author implausible. I think it could be used in 
computer science classes and as general reading by researchers. It contains both 
theoretical discussion and examples and so spans a broad range of computer science 
interests. However it seems to me that people without a strong technical background will 
not read the book.
I believe the subject matter of the book is taught (perhaps as an elective) in most 
universities. I expect that demand for the book would be "fragile" as it depend so heavily 
on WAVE. The book could enhance interest in WAVE and this would enhance sales. 
Alternatively if WAVE is swept aside by a Web avalanche, the book will also lose its 
interest to readers. 
I know of no competing books. I would recommend it for advanced masters and above 
graduate students.