Grid Computing: Conceptual Flyover For Developers

An anonymous reader writes "This article relates many Grid computing concepts to known quantities for developers, such as object-oriented programming, XML, and Web services. The author offers a reading list of white papers, articles, and books where you can find out more about Grid computing."

Comments

So what exactly is "grid computing"?

[evil_one666]

So what is exactly "Grid Computing"? From the article...

Sometimes it's easier to start defining Grid computing by telling you what it isn't. For instance, it's not artificial intelligence, and it's not some kind of advanced networking technology. It's also not some kind of science-fictional panacea to cure all of our technology ailments.

If you can think of the Internet as a network of communication, then Grid computing is a network of computation: tools and protocols for coordinated resource sharing and problem solving among pooled assets. These pooled assets are known as virtual organizations. They can be distributed across the globe; they're heterogeneous (some PCs, some servers, maybe mainframes and supercomputers); somewhat autonomous (a Grid can potentially access resources in different organizations); and temporary.

Nope- that still does not tell me what "grid computing" is. This vague, loosely defined definition can describe just about every "next big thing" since the mainframe.

Re:Change can be hard

[Timesprout]

Well this is the thing. Many old timers are not adverse to change when clear benefits can be shown from adopting the new technology.

Unfortunately for Grid Computing its still in the stage where people are struggling to explain what it is, nevermind what it does or how it can improve life. Thats always going to be a hard sell to me anyway. If its function is not obvious it makes you sceptical just how necessary it is.

Grid Computing is a buzzword

[joib]

Like, if you fit in "grid computing" in your grant proposal, the probability that you'll get funding increases. Now, if in addition to "grid" you manage to fit in "nanotechnology", "bio-informatics" and "paradigm" you'll be funded with a probability very close to 100 %!