Towards a general definition of urgent computing

Abstract

Numerical simulations of urgent events, e.g. tsunamis and storm, must be completed within a stipulated deadline. The simulation results are needed by relevant authorities in making timely educated decisions to mitigate financial losses, manage affected areas and reduce casualties. The existing definition of urgent computing is too usage context specific and thus restricts the identification of urgent use cases and the general application of urgent computing. Related paradigms like real-time computing, and crisis and disaster management computing further complicate matters. We thus aim to extend and refine the existing definition to provide a comprehensive general version to clarify the differences. The requirements of urgent computing, the urgent system and its characteristics, deadline and cost will be elaborated. This general definition will aid in the identification of the unique challenges of urgent computing and in turn simulates innovative multi-disciplinary solutions to address these challenges.