* Explores practical advantages of Grid Computing and what is needed by an organization to migrate to this new computing paradigm* This self-contained reference makes both the concepts and applications of grid computing clear and understandable to even non-technical managers* Explains the underlying networking mechanism and answers such questions critical to the business enterprise as "What is grid computing?"; "How widespread is its present/potential penetration?"; "Is it ready for prime time?"; "Are there firm standards?"; "Is it secure?"; "How do we bill this new product?"; and "How can we deploy it (at a macro level)?"

About the Author.Preface.Acknowldegments.1. Introduction.1.1 What Is Grid Computing And What Are The Key Issues?1.2 Potential Applications and Financial Benefits of Grid Computing.1.3 Grid Types, Topologies, Components, Layers - A Preliminary View.1.4 Comparison With Other Approaches.1.5 A First View at Grid Computing Standards.1.6 A Pragmatic Course of Investigation.2. Grid Benefits and Status of Technology.2.1 Motivations For Considering Computational Grids.2.2 Brief History of Computing, Communications, and Grid Computing.Communication.Computation.Grid Technology.2.3 Is Grid Computing Ready for Prime Time?2.4 Early Suppliers and Vendors.2.5 Possible Economic Value.2.6 Challenges.3. Components of Grid Computing Systems/Architectures.3.1 Overview.3.2 Basic Constituent Elements - A Functional View.Portal/User Interface Function/Functional Block.The Grid Security Infrastructure: User Security Function/Functional Block.Node Security Function/Functional Block.Broker Function/Functional Block And Directory.Scheduler Function/Functional Block.Data Management Function/Functional Block.Job Management And Resource Management Function/Functional Block.User/Application Submission Function/Functional Block.Resources.Protocols.3.3 Basic Constituent Elements - A Physical View.Networks.Computation.Storage.Scientific Instruments.Software and licenses.3.4 Basic Constituent Elements - Service View.4. Standards Supporting Grid Computing: OGSI.4.1 Introduction.4.2 Motivations for Standardization.4.3 Architectural Constructs.4.4 What is OGSA/OGSI? A Practical View.4.5 OGSA/OGSI Service Elements and Layered Model.4.6 What is OGSA/OGSI? A More Detailed View.4.7 A Possible Application Of OGSA/OGSI To Next-Generation Open-Source Outsourcing.5. Standards Supporting Grid Computing: OGSA.5.1 Introduction.5.2 Functionality Requirements.5.3 OGSA Service Taxonomy.5.4 Service Relationships.5.5 OGSA Services.5.6 Security Considerations.5.7 Examples of OGSA Mechanisms in Support of VO Structures.6. Grid System Deployment Issues and Approaches.6.1 Generic Implementations: Globus Toolkit.6.2 Grid Computing Environments.6.3 Basic Grid Deployment and Management Issues.6.4 Grid Security Details - Deployment Peace of Mind.7. Grid System Economics.7.1 Introduction.7.2 Grid Economic Services Architecture.8. Communication Systems for Local Grids.8.1 Introduction and Positioning.8.2 SAN-related Technology.8.3 LAN-related Technology.9. Communication systems for national grids.9.1 MLF.9.2 MPLS Technology.10. Communication Systems for Global Grids.10.1 The Basics of Layer 2 and layer 3 VPNs.10.2 The Layer 3 Approach.10.3 Layer 2 MPLS VPNs-A Different Philosophy.10.4 Which Works Better Where?.10.5 A Grid Computing Application.References.Glossary.Index.