Grid and cloud computing differ in their architecture, cost, accessibility, and security. Cloud computing takes place over the Internet and can act on demand, while grid computing occurs in clusters of physical systems. Cloud computing can be expensive and unpredictable, while grid computing is less expensive and doesn’t rely on an Internet connection. Cloud computing is vulnerable to service outages and data loss, while grid computing can back up data to a server within the network.
Grid and cloud computing might look similar, but each is built and works differently. Both systems take advantage of multitasking capabilities and broadcast work aloud to other systems, but cloud computing actually takes place over the Internet rather than multiple computers on a network. Therefore, cloud computing is location independent because one may not know where the computer performing the tasks is actually located. On the other hand, grid computing occurs in clusters of physical systems at a specific location, which some call cluster computing. Additionally, each system varies in cost and security, with cloud computing typically costing more and requiring additional security measures.
While grid and cloud computing both leverage multiple systems to perform a task, cloud computing can act on demand when more resources are needed. For example, grid computing relies on systems connected to infrastructure, and adding more resources requires adding more systems. With cloud computing, more resources can be requested on the Internet so that companies can add or remove resources based on business needs. Both grid and cloud computing enable multitasking and allow users to perform as many tasks as necessary.
Another difference between grid and cloud computing relates to accessibility. Cloud computing runs over a network, so the data charges you incur can be expensive. Also, network costs may become unpredictable as the amount of resources required increases.
Grid computing doesn’t have this problem because systems don’t have to rely on an Internet connection to share resources. Also, bear in mind that cloud service providers often have variable rates that depend on the amount of resources used. If a business requires heavy processing, the charges for Internet connection and cloud services can increase significantly. In this case, a business may find that grid computing is a less expensive alternative.
One very important difference between grid and cloud computing involves security issues. Cloud computing uses resources and data stored on a network, so a business can face big problems if there is a service outage at the provider. If a business uses cloud computing to sell to customers, it can lose money if customers are unable to reach the system to place orders. The same problem occurs if a company provides a specific service on the cloud and the service is interrupted for some reason.
Finally, a business can face problems if the cloud service provider does not back up the data regularly. Businesses using grid computing can back up data to a server within the network. Businesses that use cloud computing, however, need to take extra steps to protect and back up important data.
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