REACTIVE LOAD BALANCING FOR DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS

The subject disclosure relates to load balancing systems and methods. In one embodiment, a reactive load balancer can receive feedback from a first database node, and allocate resources to the first database node based, at least, on the feedback. The feedback is dynamic and comprises information indicative of a load level at the first database node. In some embodiments, the feedback includes information indicative of a load level at a second, under loaded, database node. In other embodiments, load balancing is performed by an overloaded node polling a set of devices (e.g., cell phone, personal computer, PDA) at which resources may be available. Specifically, the method includes polling devices for resource availability at the devices, and receiving price information for resources provided by at least one device. The overloaded node utilizes the resource in response to providing payment of the price. Auction models or offer/counteroffer approaches can be employed.