Grids, the TeraGrid and beyond

The correlation, combination, and statistical analysis of large data volumes derived from multiple sources depend on joining a new generation of high-resolution scientific instruments, high-performance computing systems, and large-scale scientific data archives via high-speed networks and a software infrastructure that enables resource and data sharing by collaborating groups of distributed researchers. Scheduled for completion in 2003, the National Science Foundation's TeraGrid, a massive research computing infrastructure, will combine five large computing and data management facilities and support many additional academic institutions and research laboratories in just such endeavors. When operational, the TeraGrid will help researchers solve problems in fields such as genomics, biology, and high-energy physics.