Netty Professor
After the 2008 Olympics, the overheated economic engine of China slows down again; America is engaged in yet another war which results in major deficits harming the U.S. economy; and the EU continues to face financial difficulties whereas unemployment rates are high. Moreover, high oil prices and lack of consumer confidence leads the world economy into a sluggish period. Almost two years later most western countries are not able to cope with the problems surrounding the aging population. A recession is inevitable.
In this period of doubt and uncertainty not only the MNC’s, but also the governments, avoid risk and focus on their domestic market. Because of this inward behavior cooperation is difficult to accomplish.
Although the EU, the biggest contributor to Grid development, is trying to achieve government level cooperation to push Grid Technology of the ground, the necessary Grid infrastructure isn’t widely distributed. To be able to capture the full potential of Grid Technology, widely distribution of Grid Infrastructure is a prerequisite. Two main reasons for this disappointing result are high cost and lack of open standards.
As cost for computer resources are declining, the cost for developing the software applications are sky high. Furthermore, technical difficulties and commercial conflicts among companies and governments diminish hope for open standards. The only upside is the fact that the Grid Infrastructure is available and that scheduling and encryption algorithms have matured. This means that the basic foundations have been layed and that GRID technally works.
Unfortunately, for now GRID will stay in the research labs as being something that could be wonderful but in fact is collecting dust waiting for the opportunity to present itself to the world outside.