With all the talk about the DataGrid’s ability to handle massive data loads and the Large Hadron Collider, you may think that only large companies with hundreds of computers are eligible to even take advantage of the DataGrid. This is not necessarily true.
While it is one of the largest computer grids, the DataGrid isn’t the only one. IBM is currently in the process of putting the Distributed Terascale Facility or DTF. This is a computer grid that operates similar to DataGrid, but on a smaller scale.
Remember that the chief function or intent of a grid is to distribute more power that is distributed by one source or another to computers. For this reason, it is those companies and organizations that experience constant demand for more power that are showing the most interest in grids. These include such places as NASA, and the particle physics community in the United States as well as others in the physics field.
As grid computing continues to grow and be developed, it is becoming more apparent that those which offer open source operations instead of restricted or propriety ones are most likely going to be the most successful. Europe is well aware of this, and is currently ahead in the field with at least three major computing projects, of which DataGrid is one, and which offers both an open source operation (Globus) and one—Condor–which operates on binaries.
Globus is rapidly becoming the standard where grid projects, particularly those which deal in coordinating use, are concerned. It is utilized by the majority of grid project companies, many of which make use of both it and the Condor program simultaneously.
As grid projects continue to expand, it is likely that those who are involved with them will take long hard looks at the best way to provide access, which is likely to be open source operations.