Grid computing

Grid computing is a special type of parallel computing which relies on computers connected via a network. One feature of distributed grids is that they can be formed from computing resources belonging to multiple individuals or organizations. Grids can be used to create virtual communities that by accessing a Virtual Research Environment (VRE) can share data and applications as if all users were on the same computer. VRE tools also provide powerful reporting functionality, allowing communities to streamline the entire publishing pipeline, from data acquisition, to processing, analysis, packaging and dissemination.