Storage Networking , Part 1 eBook: A storage network is any network that's designed to transport block-level storage protocols. But understanding the ins and outs of networked storage takes you deep into several of protocols. This guide covers SANs, Fibre Channels, Disk Arrays, Fabric, and IP Storage. » Storage Networking 2, Configuration and Planning eBook: Picking up where Part 1 left off, Part 2 of our look at storage networking examines configurations for SAN-attached servers and disk arrays, and also includes a look at the future of IP storage. » Storage Management Costs in the Enterprise: A Comparison of Mid-Range Array Solutions Whitepaper: Many factors contribute to the ownership cost for enterprise storage. These include (but are not limited to): physical capacity relative to physical space requirements, performance capacity for data transfer and system reaction time, software maintenance and updates, expandability and flexibility, and much more. » Storage Is Changing Fast  Be Ready or Be Left Behind PDF: The storage landscape is headed for dramatic change, thanks to new technologies like Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), pNFS, object-based storage and SAS that will affect everything from NAS and SANs to disk drives. Get the knowledge you need to make the most of your storage environment, now and in the future. » HP StorageWorks EVA4400 Demo: Dont settle for an expensive and complex array that lacks functionality. The HP StorageWorks EVA4400 delivers virtual storage with enterprise class functionality at an affordable price. »

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What is grid computing?
What sort of problems is grid computing used for?
What are some examples of current uses of grid computing?
How does grid computing work in practice? Is special hardware or software needed?
Are any commercial companies involved with grid computing?

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.