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DAILY NEWS AND INFORMATION
FOR THE GLOBAL GRID COMMUNITY /
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Special Features:
UTILITY COMPUTING SEARCHING FOR
IDENTITY
Just what, exactly, is utility computing?
The basic idea is to offer software and business applications on an
outsourced
basis. The software and applications can be allocated in varying amounts,
depending on a customer's requirements at any given time.
It would appear, then, that the definition is in the eye of the
beholder.
Major systems makers like IBM, HP, Sun Microsystems and Computer Associates
have launched new utility initiatives in sync with their respective
strategies.
IBM started the utility stampede last year by allocating $10 billion on
"utility" spending. Throughout 2003, it announced plans to rent out computing
power, retool its server software and even make its own game for online
enthusiasts -- all in the name of furthering its on-demand efforts.
Although it struck some big deals with on-demand customers, IBM
acknowledged
that explaining utility computing to potential buyers is still a challenging
task.
HP announced its utility initiative with Adaptive Enterprise, which
included
its server, PC and printer business, but spent much of the year attempting to
define it.
HP's message clearly is a work in progress, as several of the company's
executives struggled at times to define it.
The concept of utility computing thus needs to evolve both for the client
and
the vendor. 2004 hopefully will see efforts bear fruit, making the concept
comprehensible to customers.
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