European Grid Initiative agrees on blueprint for the future

The European Grid Initiative (EGI) blueprint for the creation of a permanent, pan-European, computing grid, has been endorsed by the EGI Policy Board, which represents the National Grid Initiatives of 39 countries.

EGI will establish a sustainable grid infrastructure in Europe, moving away from the current structure based upon short-term funded projects, to provide a long-term service.

EGI, a partnership between National Grid Initiatives and a coordinating body, the EGI Organization (EGI.org), will begin full operations in 2010. The blueprint outlines how the transition to a permanent grid will be made and includes the requirements for the implementation, operation, user interaction with, and management of the infrastructure, as well as the preliminary budget outline.

“The fact that the EGI Blueprint is now accepted by so many countries as a basis for the implementation of a European grid infrastructure is a tremendous step forward”, said Ludek Matuska, project director. “Eight countries, from the smallest to the largest, have presented bids to host the EGI Organisation. This also shows the commitment from the national governments to take this next important step for a common research infrastructure,” he added.

The location of the organization will be announced during the next policy board meeting in Catania, Italy, on 2 March 2009.

The EGI Design Study project was launched in September 2007 with the support of the European Commission’s 7th Framework Programme. The project will continue until the end of November 2009. According to current plans, the EGI Organization will begin its functions in early 2010. The EGI_DS has nine principal partners: CESNET, CERN, CNRS, CSC, DFN, GRNET, LMU, INFN and STFC, and is endorsed by 39 National Grid Initiatives.

www.eu-egi.eu/blueprint