IT: Grid Computing (Definitions)

"A grid is an architecture for distributed computing and resource sharing. A grid system is composed of a heterogeneous collection of resources connected by local-area and/or wide-area networks (often the Internet). These individual resources are general and include compute servers, storage, application servers, information services, or even scientific instruments. Grids are often implemented in terms of Web services and integrated middleware components that provide a consistent interface to the grid. A grid is different from a cluster in that the resources in a grid are not controlled through a single point of administration; the grid middleware manages the system so control of resources on the grid and the policies governing use of the resources remain with the resource owners." (Beverly A Sanders, "Patterns for Parallel Programming", 2004)

"Clusters of cheap computers, perhaps distributed on a global basis, connected using even something as loosely connected as the Internet." (Gavin Powell, "Beginning Database Design", 2006)

"A step beyond distributed processing. Grid computing involves large numbers of networked computers, often geographically dispersed and possibly of different types and capabilities, that are harnessed together to solve a common problem." (Judith Hurwitz et al, "Service Oriented Architecture For Dummies" 2nd Ed., 2009)

"A web-based operation allowing companies to share computing resources on demand." (DAMA International, "The DAMA Dictionary of Data Management", 2011)

"The use of networks to harness the unused processing cycles of all computers in a given network to create powerful computing capabilities." (Linda Volonino & Efraim Turban, "Information Technology for Management" 8th Ed., 2011)

"A distributed set of computers that can be allocated dynamically and accessed remotely. A grid is distinguished from a cloud in that a grid may be supported by multiple organizations and is usually more heterogeneous and physically distributed." (Michael McCool et al, "Structured Parallel Programming", 2012)

"the use of multiple computing resources to leverage combined processing power. Usually associated with scientific applications." (Bill Holtsnider & Brian D Jaffe, "IT Manager's Handbook" 3rd Ed., 2012)

"A step beyond distributed processing, involving large numbers of networked computers (often geographically dispersed and possibly of different types and capabilities) that are harnessed to solve a common problem. A grid computing model can be used instead of virtualization in situations that require real time where latency is unacceptable." (Marcia Kaufman et al, "Big Data For Dummies", 2013)

"A named set of interconnected replication servers for propagating commands from an authorized server to the rest of the servers in the set." (IBM, "Informix Servers 12.1", 2014)

"A type of computing in which large computing tasks are distributed among multiple computers on a network." (Jim Davis & Aiman Zeid, "Business Transformation: A Roadmap for Maximizing Organizational Insights", 2014)

"Connecting many computer system locations, often via the cloud, working together for the same purpose." (Jason Williamson, "Getting a Big Data Job For Dummies", 2015)

"A computer network that enables distributed resource management and on-demand services." (Forrester)

"A computing architecture that coordinates large numbers of servers and storage to act as a single large computer." (Oracle, "Oracle Database Concepts")

"connecting different computer systems from various location, often via the cloud, to reach a common goal." (Analytics Insight)

Graphical Representation: Grids (Just the Quotes)

"The number of grid lines should be kept to a minimum. This means that there should be just enough coordinate lines in the field so that the eye can readily interpret the values at any point on the curve. No definite rule can be specified as to the optimum number of lines in a grid. This must be left to the discretion of the chart-maker and can come only from experience. The size of the chart, the type and range of the data. the number of curves, the length and detail of the period covered, as well as other factors, will help to determine the number of grid lines." (Calvin F Schmid, "Handbook of Graphic Presentation", 1954)

"Where the values of a series are such that a large part the grid would be superfluous, it is the practice to break the grid thus eliminating the unused portion of the scale, but at the same time indicating the zero line. Failure to include zero in the vertical scale is a very common omission which distorts the data and gives an erroneous visual impression." (Calvin F Schmid, "Handbook of Graphic Presentation", 1954)

"In line charts the grid structure plays a controlling role in interpreting facts. The number of vertical rulings should be sufficient to indicate the frequency of the plottings, facilitate the reading of the time values on the horizontal scale. and indicate the interval or subdivision of time." (Anna C Rogers, "Graphic Charts Handbook", 1961)

"The impression created by a chart depends to a great extent on the shape of the grid and the distribution of time and amount scales. When your individual figures are a part of a series make sure your own will harmonize with the other illustrations in spacing of grid rulings, lettering, intensity of lines, and planned to take the same reduction by following the general style of the presentation." (Anna C Rogers, "Graphic Charts Handbook", 1961)

"The scales used are important; contracting or expanding the vertical or horizontal scales will change the visual picture. The trend lines need enough grid lines to obviate difficulty in reading the results properly. One must be careful in the use of cross-hatching and shading, both of which can create illusions. Horizontal rulings tend to reduce the appearance. while vertical lines enlarge it. In summary, graphs must be reliable, and reliability depends not only on what is presented but also on how it is presented." (Anker V Andersen, "Graphing Financial Information: How accountants can use graphs to communicate", 1983)

"Scatter charts show the relationships between information, plotted as points on a grid. These groupings can portray general features of the source data, and are useful for showing where correlationships occur frequently. Some scatter charts connect points of equal value to produce areas within the grid which consist of similar features." (Bruce Robertson, "How to Draw Charts & Diagrams", 1988)

"Gray grids almost always work well and, with a delicate line, may promote more accurate data reading and reconstruction than a heavy grid. Dark grid lines are chartjunk. When a graphic serves as a look-up table (rare indeed), then a grid may help with reading and interpolation. But even then the grid should be muted relative to the data." (Edward R Tufte, "Envisioning Information", 1990)

"The binders, the charts, the grids may seem formidable, but the meetings themselves are built around informality, trust, emotion and humor." (Jack Welch, "Jack: Straight from the Gut", 2001)

"Usually, diagrams contain some noise – information unrelated to the diagram’s primary goal. Noise is decorations, redundant, and irrelevant data, unnecessarily emphasized and ambiguous icons, symbols, lines, grids, or labels. Every unnecessary element draws attention away from the central idea that the designer is trying to share. Noise reduces clarity by hiding useful information in a fog of useless data. You may quickly identify noise elements if you can remove them from the diagram or make them less intense and attractive without compromising the function." (Vasily Pantyukhin, "Principles of Design Diagramming", 2015)