    # 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