- In Grid computing each resource of networked computer is shared with every other computer in the network. likeprocessing power, memory and data storage.
- It can be as simpleas a collection of similar computers running on the same operating system or as complexas inter-networked systems comprised of every computer platform you can think of.
- The grid computing concept isn't a new one. It's a special kind of distributed computing.
- Every authorized computer would have access to enormous processing power and storage capacity.
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Benefits of Grid Computing
- Making use of Underutilized Resources: Underutilized resources like memory, storage or processing power,can be shared to other authorised users.
- Resource Balancing: The peak load can be shiftedto free machines in the grid; and if the grid is fully utilized, the lowest priority work can be temporarily suspended.
- Parallel CPU Capacity: Parallel jobs can be run on different processorsto finish the task early.
- Virtual resources and virtual organizations for collaboration: Organizations can share their resourcessuch as data, specialized devices, software, services, and so on giving all of them virtual resources.
- Access to additional resources: Additional resources like bandwidth of the Internet can be usedfor data mining that have independent internet connections.
- Management: Management is easy, when maintenance is required, grid load can be shifted to other machines.
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Types of Resources
- Computation: The most common resource is computation (Computing Cycle) provided by the processors.
primary ways to exploit the computation resources.
- To run an existing application on grid rather than on local machine;
- To run parts of application on parallel different processors; and
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- Storage: The second most common resource used in a grid is Data Storage known as Data Grid.
- Communications: Communications within the grid are important for sending jobs and data to the grid. The bandwidth is a critical resource that can limit speed of the grid.
- Software and Licenses: The grid may have software installed that may be too expensive. These software can be shared amongst the grid users.
- Special equipment: Grid may have different devices, capacities, and equipment. These resources can be used on grid by other users.
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Application Areas of Grid Computing
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- Civil engineerscollaborate to design, execute, & analyze.
- An insurance companymines data from partner hospitals for fraud detection.
- An application service provideroffloads excess load to grid.
- An enterprise uses grid to support e-Business workload.
- Large-scale science and engineering projects.
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Grid Computing Security:
Grid systems and applications require standard security functions which are authentication, access control, integrity, privacy and non repudiation.
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Grid Computing Security
To develop security architecture, following constraints are taken from the characteristics of grid environment and application.
- Single Sign-on: A user should authenticate once and should be able to use resources easily.
- Protection of Credentials: User passwords, private keys, etc. should be protected.
- Interoperability with local security solutions: Local and grid security solution must be compatible.
- Exportability: The program should be exportable.
- Secure group communication: Communication should be secure within the group.
- Multiple implementations: It should provide security to multiple sources.