Even without multiple hosts, also knowing the lockfile technique is worthwhile as it is more easily adaptable to represent other assets. That a lockfile must be cleaned up is an advantage in that situation. The ephemeral (crash) and expensive (proc-table) nature of a process work against you.

That the process is both the contender and the symbol of contention hinders splitting out functionality into a separate administrative program.

Under linux /var/lock is the place for lockfiles.

Be well,
rir