Large-scale grid computing frameworks can be successfully used to build computational grid infrastructures, but their sophistication can also be a barrier for software designers experimenting with entry-level grid computing. This article uses a Java custom ClassLoader, a Tomcat servlet container, and the Axis SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) implementation to demonstrate a simple-to-use framework that supports minimal grid requirements, including machine independence, abstracted compute-task distribution and execution, and a secure, scalable infrastructure. (2,000 words; April 25, 2003)
Though grid computing can benefit compute-heavy applications, bottlenecks between grid applications and databases can negate its advantages. In this article, Christopher Keene explains how to tackle the data management bottlenecks associated with grid computing. (1,600 words; August 2, 2004)
