| Abstract: | A team of researchers is set to unveil the latest distributed computing project, called the World Community Grid, which will use idle computer power from millions of volunteers to study such topics as genetic codes and complex weather forecasting. Like other distributed computing projects, the World Grid asks individuals to download a program to their computers. The program uses available processing power to work on small parts of very large projects. Up to 10 million users will initially be able to participate in the project; if the number of volunteers exceeds that, organizers will expand the program. Network security is a consideration that could deter some users or push some network administrators to forbid participation. Linda Sanford of IBM, one of the organizations involved in the project, said, "We are looking for the individual, not the institution, per se, to contribute. [Companies] will let their employees know when they can participate."In addition to IBM, the project is supported by the United Nations, the Mayo Clinic, Oxford University, and others. |
