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West Virginia Launches Open Public Computing Platform

November 08, 2004

Implementation of the Global Grid Exchange, a state-sponsored open public computing grid in West Virginia, is underway. Hewlett Packard will provide the infrastructure technology that will power the grid, an initiative of the West Virginia High Technology Consortium (WVHTC) Foundation.

The Global Grid Exchange utilizes the Internet to aggregate idle or unused computer processing resources throughout West Virginia. HP will furnish hardware such as desktop personal computers for customer service personnel and robust, reliable high-end servers. With access to such resources, the grid reportedly will be the largest open public computing grid in the world.

The nonprofit WVHTC received a $14.7 million grant from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority to launch the grid, according to the Associated Press. The project's first phase cost $2.8 million, the AP reports.

Using Frontier, a grid computing solution from strategic partner Parabon Computation, the Global Grid Exchange enables a cost-effective computation infrastructure that could drive innovation globally, WVHTC says. Users will be able to access the grid for a fee, beginning on Nov. 19.

For more information on WVHTC, visit http://www.wvhtf.org.

West Virginia