The framework is targeted for embedded systems capable of running a Java VM. This excludes low-end devices without 32-bit processors and several megabytes of RAM. But, even embedded systems with the power of low-end workstations have special needs. They are always headless and require remote administration. Embedded systems also tend to use solid state storage with limited write cycles and much smaller volume capacities than hard drives.

The framework also scales to highly distributed systems composed of tens of thousands of nodes running the framework software. Systems of this size span a wide range of network topologies and usually communicate over unreliable Internet connections. The framework is designed to provide an infrastructure for managing systems of this scale.