Summary of Plan 9 from Bell Labs, Pike et al. Each process can have a separate name space. The pieces CPU servers Expensive computing, such as compiling, is done on the CPU server, which is a fast multiprocessor with a very fast connection to the file server.
Heterogeneity is handled with an sww-like mechanism.
The high-speed connection to the CPU server makes cached files accessible very quickly. Window system provides a text console, mouse input, and bitmapped display device for each window.