Viable components: A cybernetic organization for computing

In this paper we explore the Viable System Model (VSM) as a basis for design of a component framework. The goal is to address complex application requirements by increasing the level of abstraction and through principled consistency in a component architecture. We develop a scenario around a Smalt Lecture Room. This provides a hardware and software setting to illustrate how the VSM is used to develop an advanced application. Following the scenario an overview of the VSM is given. The model is then used to show how "Viable Components" can address the complexity of building such environments.