Computing locks into grids

Grid computing, the "linking of individual computers into increasingly complex networks," is nothing new to researchers who combine the power of their distributed networks to crunch all those numbers they churn out. Indeed, grid computing lay behind the spinning of the first threads of the world wide web at CERN.

 

Now there are more and more references to commercial applications of grid computing. You can get a glimpse of some of the discussions around the subject from a brief account of a meeting held by the OECD last year.

 

"Some companies are experimenting with Grids for applications such as product development, and for establishing optimal structures for collaborations with other industrial partners..."

 

"Private entities are also interested in Grids as profit-making entities in themselves, i.e., they are
creating/marketing/servicing middleware and complete applications, as well as special purpose hardware that will be needed for Grid-based projects."