Grid Computing: A Critical Discussion on Business Applicability

In this article, the author analyzes the roots of grid computing, revises its goals and characteristics, and presents a critical discussion of grid technologies. In addition, the author gives his view on where the grid is positioned within computer science and to a lesser extent in industry. The main aim is to review the grid's current state and if it is applicable in a business environment. These questions emerged in the BIG (Business in the Grid) project at the University of Vienna, where new grid business models were studied