Grid Computing organizations and their roles can be broadly classified into four categories based on their functional role in Grid Computing. These roles are best described as:
Organizations developing grid standards and best practices guidelines
Organizations developing Grid Computing toolkits, frameworks, and middleware solutions
Organizations building and using grid-based solutions to solve their computing, data, and network requirements
Organizations working to adopt grid concepts into commercial products, via utility computing, and Business On Demand [1] computing
Figure 2.1 shows these categories, while also noting the technologies involved in the many areas of Grid Computing. In subsequent chapters of this book, we will explain these technologies in greater detail. There is also another book in this IBM Business On Demand book series which goes into deeper discussions on the subject: Business On Demand: Technology and Strategy Perspectives (Fellenstein, 2004).
Figure 2.1. The basic classifications of Grid Computing organizations.
Figure 2.2. Some of prominent Grid Computing organizations worldwide.
There are many organizations in the world striving to achieve new and innovative Grid Computing environments. In this chapter we will explore not only the world-class examples of Grid Computing environments, but we will also explore those organizations involved in the plight. The IBM Corporation is a leader in the pursuit of Business On Demand Grid Computing environments and the corporation itself has enabled a global Business On Demand environment. IBM is, today, working with a large number of global customers in the same endeavor.