Techniques for managing, within a computer system, a resource that is
reusable by a plurality of entities include establishing a minimum period
of time for retaining an amount of the resource after completion of use of
the resource by an entity. A first amount of the resource is allocated to
a first entity. After allocating the first amount to the first entity, the
first amount is prevented from being allocated to a second entity before
the minimum period of time expires after the first entity completes use of
the first resource. These techniques allow resources to be recycled and
allocated for new uses by other entities in a computer system, but also
guarantee the resources are retained in a given state for consistent use
by other entities, even after the entity terminates that first had the
resource allocated.