Grid computing platforms are used more often than we think.
Most supercomputer implementations, Google, Amazon, Yahoo, Microsoft, eBay, etc, are effectively computing nodes networked to operate under software control to schedule, dispatch and manage defined workloads.
These are forms of networked, grid, computing solutions often based on proprietary software.
Among open source grid computing solutions, I came across GridGain, a Java-based library that is simple to install, deploy and use.
In minutes I was able to define few computing nodes and run the examples provided with the distribution.
Should you be looking at a grid computing implementation, have a look at GridGain; salient features include the following:
- Implemented as an open source library under a LGPL license
- Java based
- Simplicity. Simplicity is a property reflected in the design and implementation of the Java library. GridGain is easy to understand and to use. The simplicity theme is evident in the concept, design and documentation. A quote attributed to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is included in the product page: "A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."
- Documentation. Documentation is clear and the product site includes associated information and examples; see product blog here.
An emerging list of companies operating on a business model based on open-source products include:
- GridGain. GridGain is both the company and product offering grid computing solutions.
- MySQL. MySQL AB develops, markets and offers services for MySQL.
- Interface21. Interface21 offers consulting services and training for the Spring framework.
- Canonical. Canonical offers consulting and support services for Ubuntu the Linux distribution.
- Alfresco. Alfresco is a company offering solutions for Document Management, Collaboration, Records Management, Knowledge Management, Web Content Management and Imaging using their open source product, Alfresco.
- Openbravo. Openbravo is both the the company and open source product focusing on enterprise management systems, materials requirement planing, sales and customer relationship management often called ERP, MRP, CRM.
- Liferay. Liferay offers Portal, Journal and Colaboration Suite as open source products.
- Sun. Sun is a good example of a classic IT corporation redefining its business model largely through the use of an open source strategy, open culture and associated solutions. Examples of Sun's open source direction include OpenSolaris, OpenJFX, OpenJDK, ZFS File System, DTace, NetBeans and GlassFish.
