Distributed real-time database systems (DRTDBS) are used for applying database systems technology to real-time systems.

Shanker, Misra, and Sarje describe DRTDBS basic concepts and definitions, discuss DRTDBS performance issues, and present the current state of research on subjects such as priority assignment policy, commit protocols, and use of memory in optimization in a nonreplicated/replicated environment pertaining to distributed real-time transaction processing.

The paper addresses specially designed database systems and compares different approaches related to real-time commit protocols. A very good and complete literature survey that includes publications about DRTDBS is included.

The paper is very interesting and a good resource to those who want to begin the study of DRTDBS. Finally, the paper is well structured and organized.