# File lib/rbot/core/remote.rb, line 355
  def handle_start(m, params)
    if @drb
      rep = "remote service provider already running"
      rep << " on port #{@port}" if m.private?
    else
      begin
        start_service(@port)
        rep = "remote service provider started"
        rep << " on port #{@port}" if m.private?
      rescue
        rep = "couldn't start remote service provider"
      end
    end
    m.reply rep
  end