What is grid computing?
Grid computing is a method of harnessing the power of many computers in a
network to solve problems requiring a large number of processing cycles and
involving huge amounts of data. So rather than using a network of computers
simply to communicate and transfer data, grid computing taps the unused
processor cycles of numerous -- sometimes thousands of -- computers.
What sort of "problems" is grid computing used
for?
Those problems that are beyond the processing limits of individual
computers. Right now that primarily means scientific or technical projects
such as cancer and other medical research -- projects that involve the
analysis of inordinate amounts of data.
What are some examples of current uses of grid computing?
Perhaps the most ambitious is Oxford University's Centre for Computational
Drug Discovery's project that utilizes more than one million PCs to look for
a cancer cure. People around the world donate a few CPU cycles from their
PCs through "screensaver time." The project eventually will analyze 3.5
billion molecules for cancer-fighting potential. More than 50,000 years of
CPU power (based on a 1.5 gigahertz chip) have been put to work so far.
One highly publicized project is the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial
Intelligence) @Home project, in which PC users worldwide donate unused
processor cycles to help the search for signs of extraterrestrial life by
analyzing signals coming from outer space.
How does grid computing work in practice? Is special
hardware or software needed?
Having a computer tied to a network is a good start. The most far-reaching
network, of course, is the Internet, which is enabling regular people with
home PCs to participate in grid computing projects from anywhere in the
world.
Beyond that, PC owners must download simple software from the project's host
site. On the other end, grid computing projects use software that can divide
and distribute pieces of a program to thousands of computers for processing.
Are any commercial companies involved with grid computing?
Absolutely. Sun Microsystems released its Grid Engine software in September
2000. IBM is involved in several grid computing projects. In November 2001,
IBM announced it is building a computing grid for the University of
Pennsylvania designed to bring advanced methods of breast cancer diagnosis
and screening to patients across the nation, while reducing costs. Intel
and Compaq are also involved in grid computing, as are a number of private companies.
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