DistOpt: A software framework for modeling and evaluating optimization problem solutions in distributed environments

We present a flexible software environment, named DistOpt, which is useful in building coarse-grain algorithms for solving optimization problems and s imulating the solution of the resulting subproblems in multicomputer system s. It is based on a decomposition-coordination approach. by which large opt imization problems can be split into subproblems, which are then easier to solve and can be solved in parallel. The object-oriented methodology on whi ch DistOpt is based, and its graphical user interface, are well suited to m odify, interface, and extend existing software modules with minimal impact. DistOpt is a flexible and innovative software environment that can be cust omized by the user in a short development time. (C) 2000 Academic Press.