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DAILY NEWS AND INFORMATION
FOR THE GLOBAL GRID COMMUNITY / SEPTEMBER 29, 2003: VOL. 2 NO. 39
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Special Features:
REVOLUTIONARY GRID OFFERS GLIMPSE
INTO FUTURE
In the same vein as the Internet in the 1960s and the World Wide Web during
the last decade, Grid computing could change users' experiences by offering
unprecedented power all over the world.
The Grid could be the equivalent of having a supercomputer on your desk,
and
could lead to major advances in everything from video games to homeland
security.
However, the Grid is more complex than simply connnecting a few computers.
Its
deployment will require changes to the world's cyberinfrastructure, as well as
software programs that allow computers not just to talk to one another, but to
work with one another.
Although home-users might not be using the Grid directly, they will see
benefits from companies and institutions connected -- including better, faster
and possibly cheaper services.
The five industries where the Grid should have the most impact are
financial
services, health care, energy, manufacturing and entertainment.
Even though Grid computing is still in its infancy, the pieces are coming
together nicely. Organizations like NASA, the Department of Energy and the
National Science Foundation already have their own grids in place, and Europe,
Asia and the United States are all working on their own, as well.
All of this power, however, will be essential in a few years. Although
high-performance computers and high-speed Internet connections allow computers
to handle and transfer astounding amounts of information very rapidly, the
need for more capability is growing more rapidly than the current technology
can handle.
For all this to happen, the NSF suggests spending $1 billion per year on an
Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Program, as well as additional millions from
labratories, universities and private industry.
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