Using MAKE with remote processors

[Tish Lentz]

We are developing a system which will have several processors
communicating over ethernet. They are a VAX 780 (4.2BSD),
PDP-11/70 (2.9BSD), PDP-11/34 (2.9BSD) and a SUN (4.2BSD). 
Routines in this system may run on multiple processors.  RCS
will be used to maintain source code on the VAX only.  Our
difficulties arise when trying to use MAKE to update the
routines, since objects and executables will exist on "remote"
processors as well as the VAX.  At this point we see 2 alternatives:

1 - Modify MAKE to provide the capability to check time stamps
    on "remote" files, and possibly to compile and load remotely.
2 - Maintain dummy files on the VAX on a per processor basis so
    MAKE can check modification times locally. This has some inherent
    dangers such as: Suppose you run an "update" to recompile
    routines for the 11/70.  The dummy files on the VAX are given an
    updated time stamp. Then someone removes executables on the 11/70.
    Now running another update doesn't rebuilt 70 routines  because
    the existence/time stamps of VAX dummy files no longer reflects
    the situation on the 11/70.

Does anyone have a solution which they would be willing to share? Any
alternative suggestions would also be greatly appreciated.  Please
send mail directly -- I will summarize and post responses as appropriate.
Thanks for your time!