Grid computing is a processor architecture that combines computer resources from various

domains to reach a main objective. In grid computing, the computers on the network can work
on a task together, thus functioning as a supercomputer.

Typically, a grid works on various tasks within a network, but it is also capable of working on
specialized applications. It is designed to solve problems that are too big for a supercomputer
while maintaining the flexibility to process numerous smaller problems. Computing grids deliver a
multiuser infrastructure that accommodates the discontinuous demands of large information
processing.

A grid is connected by parallel nodes that form a computer cluster, which runs on an operating
system, Linux or free software. The cluster can vary in size from a small work station to several
networks. The technology is applied to a wide range of applications, such as mathematical,
scientific or educational tasks through several computing resources. It is often used in structural
analysis, Web services such as ATM banking, back-office infrastructures, and scientific or
marketing research.

The idea of grid computing was first established in the early 1990s by Carl Kesselman, Ian Foster
and Steve Tuecke. They developed the Globus Toolkit standard, which included grids for data
storage management, data processing and intensive computation management.

Grid computing is made up of applications used for computational computer problems that are
connected in a parallel networking environment. It connects each PC and combines information
to form one application that is computation-intensive.

Grids have a variety of resources based on diverse software and hardware structures, computer
languages, and frameworks, either in a network or by using open standards with specific
guidelines to achieve a common goal.

Grid operations are generally classified into two categories:

 Data Grid: A system that handles large distributed data sets used for data management
and controlled user sharing. It creates virtual environments that support dispersed and
organized research. The Southern California Earthquake Center is an example of a data
grid; it uses a middle software system that creates a digital library, a dispersed file system
and continuing archive.

 CPU Scavenging Grids: A cycle-scavenging system that moves projects from one PC to
another as needed. A familiar CPU scavenging grid is the search for extraterrestrial
intelligence computation, which includes more than three million computers.

Grid computing is standardized by the Global Grid Forum and applied by the Globus Alliance
using the Globus Toolkit, the de facto standard for grid middleware that includes various
application components.

Grid architecture applies Global Grid Forum-defined protocol that includes the following:

 Grid security infrastructure

 Monitoring and discovery service

 Grid resource allocation and management protocol

CLOUD COMPUTING

The "cloud" is a set of different types of hardware and software that work collectively to
deliver many aspects of computing to the end-user as an online service.

Cloud Computing is the use of hardware and software to deliver a service over a network
(typically the Internet). With cloud computing, users can access files and use applications
from any device that can access the Internet

An example of a Cloud Computing provider is Google's Gmail. Gmail users can access files
and applications hosted by Google via the internet from any device.

Unlike traditional computing where data is stored on your PC's local hard drive, the data
in the cloud is stored on many physical and/or virtual servers that are hosted by a third-
party service provider. An example of a cloud computing file storage provider is Dropbox.
Drop box files can be accessed from any device via the Internet.

What are public and private Clouds?

A Public Cloud is based on the standard cloud computing framework which consists of
files, applications, storage and services available to the public via the internet. Gmail is an
example of a Public Cloud.

A Private Cloud is comprised of files, applications, storage and services that are
implemented and protected within a corporate firewall, under the control of a corporate
IT department. An example of a Private Cloud would be a company that uses Microsoft
Exchange because Microsoft Exchange can only be accessed by an authorized user
through a secure VPN connection.

MOBILE COMPUTING

Mobile Computing is a technology that allows transmission of data, voice and video via a
computer or any other wireless enabled device without having to be connected to a fixed
physical link. The main concept involves −

Mobile communication

Mobile hardware

Mobile software

Mobile communication

The mobile communication in this case, refers to the infrastructure put in place to ensure
that seamless and reliable communication goes on. These would include devices such as
protocols, services, bandwidth, and portals necessary to facilitate and support the stated
services. The data format is also defined at this stage. This ensures that there is no
collision with other existing systems which offer the same service.
Since the media is unguided/unbounded, the overlaying infrastructure is basically radio
wave-oriented. That is, the signals are carried over the air to intended devices that are
capable of receiving and sending similar kinds of signals.

Mobile Hardware

Mobile hardware includes mobile devices or device components that receive or access
the service of mobility. They would range from portable laptops, smartphones, tablet
Pc's, Personal Digital Assistants.

These devices will have a receptor medium that is capable of sensing and receiving
signals. These devices are configured to operate in full- duplex, whereby they are capable
of sending and receiving signals at the same time. They don't have to wait until one
device has finished communicating for the other device to initiate communications.

Above mentioned devices use an existing and established network to operate on. In most
cases, it would be a wireless network.

Mobile software

Mobile software is the actual program that runs on the mobile hardware. It deals with
the characteristics and requirements of mobile applications. This is the engine of the
mobile device. In other terms, it is the operating system of the appliance. It's the
essential component that operates the mobile device.

Since portability is the main factor, this type of computing ensures that users are not tied
or pinned to a single physical location, but are able to operate from anywhere. It
incorporates all aspects of wireless communications.