Concurrent semantics

[M.Stannett@dcs.sheffield.ac.uk]

Dear All,

		IF THIS MESSAGE ISN'T RELEVANT TO YOU,
		PLEASE PASS IT TO SOMEONE TO WHOM IT IS.

One of my major delights in computer science is the nature of concurrent
semantics, and especially the "non-interleaving" models like Mazurkiewicz
trace language and their analogues  (these are models which represent
so-called 'true' concurrency, rather than trying to flatten everything down
into sequences of actions). Nonetheless, I readily admit that the more
standard "interleaving" models are fascinating in their own right as well.
In any case, I'm certain we're all trying to solve the same problems, but
merely approaching them from slightly different angles - in ten years time,
we'll be wondering what all the disagreement was about ....

{{{ CONNECTIONISTS: concurrent semantics is concerned with working out
what complex concurrent systems are actually doing, and how properly to
represent their behaviour. Applying the standard sequential interpretations
to concurrent systems can sometimes lead to misleading results. Consequently,
I would argue that finding a deep understanding of the nature of complex
networks probably involves  exactly the same problems as are currently faced
by concurrent semantics theorists.  It might prove extremely fruitful to
see some colloborations between the two fields }}}

As far as I can work out, there seems to be only negligible contact between
the many groups working in the area.  I'd like to see  some sort of elecronic
forum for discussing ideas in the area - even if we can't work together, at
least we might be able to exchange ideas rapidly from time to time.

Please let me know if you'd be interested in joining in a sort of loosely
confederated "concurrency club" or whatever. Obviously, there's be no funding
to speak of, but then, given sufficient enthusiasm, we shouldn't need any.
(At least, not yet). Provided the task isn't TOO time-consuming, I'll happily
channel messages to interested parties for the time-being.

Thanks for reading!

Mike Stannett
( M.Stannett @ uk.ac.sheffield.dcs )