What is ZetaGrid?

ZetaGrid is a grid-computing platform for solving large, computing-intensive problems that can be devided into loosely-coupled units. The interactions, performance, availability, and scalability of this technology are proven in multiple administrative domains involving more than 10,000 computers in a heterogeneous, dynamic environment. The first project of ZetaGrid was a mathematical one: the verification of the zeros of the zeta function (that's where the name "ZetaGrid" comes from).

ZetaGrid was initially developed and tested in the IBM Boeblingen Lab. Further successful projects include image deconvolution in life science and a boolean satisfaction (SAT) solver in computer science.

How does it work?

This technology provides developers with simple J2EE interfaces for adapting applications in multi-computer grids in order to distribute applications securely and reliably. The operational model of the platform is a three-tier architecture: The Web server, the application server, and the database are placed in three different zones.

Zones are a representation of an area for which a common set of non-functional requirements has been defined, such as firewalls. The rich client is implemented in Java^TM and communicates only with the Web server of the middle tier via stateless sessions using HTTP. In this concept, a client connects the server to synchronize the client version, to request work units, and to deliver completed work units. The server never connects a client to get any data. All interaction is initiated and defined by the participating user, since the user is the only person who can judge the free capacity of his resources. He can choose to run the client as a low-priority background process or in screensaver mode. ZetaGrid is optimized for all kinds and speeds of connections, such as modem, LAN, and WAN. The client runs on Java platforms, including Linux®.

Sebastian Wedeniwski is the chief architect and project leader for the Automotive Common Environment with a focus on J2EE, security, and operation in the Proactive Infrastructure of DaimlerChrysler AG for enterprise projects such as B2E, B2C, and production systems. Mr. Wedeniwski implemented the grid-computing system ZetaGrid in addition to his IBM duties. The user base of his worldwide ZetaGrid has been growing steadily and now includes 5,000 participants with more than 10,000 computers participating.