Leveraging grid technology in network-centric environments

In this paper we present the key elements of the NICCI (Network-centric Infrastructure for Command, Control and Intelligence) infrastructure and compare and contrast them with similar capabilities provided by the OGSA (Open Grid Services Architecture) grid infrastructure. We also examine the advantages and disadvantages of using the OGSA grid infrastructure as a substrate for implementing NICCI and highlight some of the technology gaps. Finally, looking ahead at the future of the grid computing research, we identify several research thrusts where we believe there is a natural synergy and opportunity for cross-pollination between the NICCI-sponsored research and the ongoing efforts of the grid community.