A system and method of controlling a distributed processing system such as a including a first computer that includes a first Java virtual machine and a Java control system that also includes a look-up service. The distributed processing system also includes a second computer that includes a second Java virtual machine and a second Java control system client. The distributed processing system also includes a computer network that couples the first computer and the second computer. The second computer can be configured to register with the look-up service for a first predetermined time period. The second computer registration is examined to determine if the second computer registration will be renewed with the look-up service for a subsequent predetermined time period.