Difference Between Grid Computing Vs. Distributed Computing
Definition of Distributed Computing
Distributed Computing is an environment in which a group of independent and
geographically dispersed computer systems take part to solve a complex problem,
each by solving a part of solution and then combining the result from all
computers. These systems are loosely coupled systems coordinately working for a
common goal. It can be defined as
-
A computing system in which services are provided by a pool of computers collaborating over a network .
-
A computing environment that may involve computers of differing architectures and data representation formats that share data and system resources.
Definition of Grid Computing
The Basic idea between Grid
Computing is to utilize the ideal CPU cycles and storage of million of computer
systems across
a worldwide network function as a flexible, pervasive, and inexpensive
accessible pool that could be harnessed by anyone who needs it, similar to the
way power companies and their users share the electrical grid. There are
many definitions of the term: Grid computing:
- A service for sharing computer power and data storage capacity over the Internet
- An ambitious and exciting global effort to develop an environment in which individual users can access computers, databases and experimental facilities simply and transparently, without having to consider where those facilities are located. [RealityGrid, Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council, UK 2001] http://www.realitygrid.org/information.html
-
Grid computing is a model
for allowing companies to use a large number of computing resources on demand,
no matter where they are located.
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Grid Computing Vs. Distributed Computing
Since 1980, two advances in technology has made distributed computing a more
practical idea, computer CPU power and communication bandwidth. The result of
these technologies is not only feasible but easy to put together large number of
computer systems for solving complex computational power or storage
requirements. But the
numbers of real distributable applications are still somewhat limited, and the
challenges are still significant (standardization, interoperability etc).
As it is clear from the definition, traditional distributed computing can
be characterized
as a subset of grid computing. some of the differences between these two are
1. Distributed Computing normally refers to managing or pooling the hundreds
or thousands of computer systems which
individually are more limited
in their memory and processing power. On the other hand, grid computing
has some extra characteristics. It is concerned to efficient utilization of a
pool of heterogeneous systems with optimal workload management
utilizing an enterprise's entire computational resources( servers, networks,
storage, and information) acting together to create one or more large pools of
computing resources. There is no limitation of users, departments or
originations in grid computing.
2. Grid computing
is focused on the ability to support computation across multiple administrative domains
that sets it apart from traditional distributed
computing. Grids offer a way of using the information technology resources
optimally inside an organization involving virtualization of computing
resources. Its concept of support for multiple administrative policies and
security authentication and authorization mechanisms enables it to be
distributed over a local, metropolitan, or wide-area network.
