SLA as a complementary currency in peer-2-peer markets

Abstract

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) provide a basis for establishing contractually binding interactions within Peer-2-Peer systems. Such SLAs are particularly useful when considering interactions in environments with limited trust between participants. Complementary currencies, on the other hand, have proven to be useful for facilitating exchange among selfish peers. We identify how an SLA can itself be used as a complementary currency to encourage resource sharing between peers. Our work demonstrates how an SLA can be used as a medium of exchange and used to establish a market for computational resources. The value of an SLA can vary based on demand for particular types of resources. Simulate a process of trade we investigate several economic indicators qualified for their significance in small economies. We demonstrate how the economic benefit (in terms of profit and loss) evolves based on varying levels of demand. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.