Distributed Systems

Research Overview

Can Grid Computing Provide Processing Power on Demand?

Grid computing was initially conceptualized as a way of providing processing power and storage on demand. This technology enables access to a virtualized network of huge computing resources spread across the globe, effectively spanning network, platform, and geographical boundaries. Although the grid started out serving the technical computing domain, its impact has been greatest in the life sciences area. For instance, it can speed up the process of drug discovery - which takes months or years using traditional methods - to deliver results within days or even hours. It is now entering the financial and manufacturing verticals as well. Despite facing interoperability and security issues, the grid is eventually likely to proliferate in the commercial space because it offers significant benefits such as optimum use of resources and improved productivity.

This Technical Insights research provides valuable insights into the most promising areas of distributed systems: computing and storage. It discusses the various enterprise storage strategies, software, and solutions offered by major market participants. The research also examines important vendor trends and user needs.

Ubiquitous Computing: The Next Generation of Computing

Ubiquitous computing is set to drastically change the way people live and function. The idea of a constantly connected system that enables seamless access to surrounding devices at all times is gaining ground. Ubiquitous computing could usher in an era in which these devices, embedded with smart silicon chips, could accept voice commands or even interpret minor changes in facial expression to carry out different tasks. Essentially, the goal is to develop a network of intelligent devices distributed and connected in the environment to support the day-to-day activities of the user.

"Ubiquitous computing aims to remove the physical interaction between people and the system. The technology envisages a time when computing would be so closely integrated with the environment that people would actually be interacting with the computing system without being aware of its existence," says the analyst. Researchers are working on developing tools that can support such a scale of ubiquitous computing. Examples include speech and face recognition software and location-based services such as cell phones automatically switching to vibration mode on entering a quiet environment.

Data-intensive Applications in Organizations Create Need for Distributed Storage

Information-intensive organizations dealing with rapidly increasing amounts of data require highly efficient storage solutions. Additionally, geographically dispersed organizations call for data to be managed in a distributed way. Since most companies today are highly networked, storing data on a complex web of storage devices becomes a relatively easier task. Numerous improvements to storage solutions in recent years have helped widen the choice for organizations." The distributed storage solutions offered in the market come with backup and recovery options as well as replication strategies, which help organizations protect their most important asset - data," says the analyst.