Resource sharing
Resource sharing is the crux of grid philosophy - but grid computing is not about getting something for nothing.
Grid computing aims to involve everyone in the advantages of resource sharing and the benefits of increased efficiency.
- Grids give you shared access to extra computing power
- A grid can also give you direct access to remote software, computers and data
- A grid can even give you access and control of remote sensors, telescopes and other devices that do not belong to you.
BUT WOULD YOU TRUST YOUR COMPUTER TO A COMPLETE STRANGER?
What about your car? A computing grid is a bit like a car pool - sometimes you share your car with other people; other times, they share their car with you. These people could be strangers, but if they are part of the same car pool organization as you, you will generally trust each other at some level. If you are always late, the others will complain and eventually kick you out of the car pool. So there is trust, and there are mechanisms to deal with breach of trust.
Grids are kind of the same. Grid resources are owned by many different people who run different software, exist in different administrative domains, and use different systems for security and access. This presents a major challenge. For example, when someone decides to share their computing resources on a grid, they will normally put conditions on the use of those resources, specifying limits on which resources can be used when, and what can be done with them.
