Grid and cloud computing are relatively new concepts in the area of information technology which abstract multiple processing tasks. Abstraction masks the actual intricate processes taking place in systems and represents a user with a simplified interface by which they can manage processes easily.
Cloud computing is an internet based model of provisioning and marketing of IT services, whereby all the shared information and resources like databases, servers etc are provided to end users through the internet. Cloud computing incorporates software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) as well as Web 2.0.
Grid computing is an innovative approach wherein system resources combine from multiple administrative domains to reach a common goal. It is designed for a mutual sharing of resources. In grid computing, programs divide and farm into pieces as one large system image to several end users.
The fundamental difference between cloud computing versus grid computing:
1. In grid computing, computer resources are made available as a utility which can be turned on/off. Cloud computing is built on this concept and goes one step further to provide on-demand availability of resources.
2. In grid computing, a software is required which can divide a large program into smaller processing units and resources don’t need to always be part of a cloud. In cloud computing the users don’t need to worry about the infrastructure, service location and resource maintenance concepts.
There are many computing architectures within cloud computing and grid computing that have shared characteristics. The technologies are so similar that when making a decision it is extremely important to understand your business needs and requirements. Research will only help you better understand the options available.
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