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Grid Computing in Europe
Despite its newness to the mainstream, understanding of grid is beginning to grow.
Grid computing was only introduced into mainstream business sector relatively recently. Nevertheless, about a quarter of the 603 members of the IT management community we spoke with were already comfortably familiar with Grid. Understanding of the underlying concepts of resource pooling and virtualisation was even higher, with over a third indicating a comfortable level of familiarity with these. This is encouraging given the general observation by respondents that the level of messaging, information and coverage from IT vendors, analysts and the press is still relatively modest.
Key Findings

  • Interest has already turned into tangible action in some areas
    Around one in five organisations had already embraced pooling and virtualisation technologies in the areas of application serving and storage management. The proportion of respondents indicating use of the full grid computing approach was less than half of this, but that's not surprising given that real world solutions targeted at the mainstream are only just beginning to emerge in this space. Much of the early adoption is associated with industries that have large data centres running high transaction consumer oriented environments, such as Financial Services, Retail, Telecommunications and Utilities.
  • Those with knowledge and understanding appreciate the benefits and act
    Whilst still in the minority, there is very clear evidence that those with a good understanding of grid related technologies tend to appreciate the benefits in terms of operational efficiency and improved service to the business. Furthermore, there is a clear and direct correlation between level of knowledge and commitment to act. This suggests that those who "get it" tend to "go for it".
  • Those who act realise the benefit, with greater commitment leading to greater returns
    Respondents' assessment of overall benefit is directly proportional to their level of commitment to grid related technologies. In the specific area of infrastructure efficiency, there is confirmation that those who have committed are able to achieve greater levels of hardware utilisation. Finally, a hard correlation was observed between the level of commitment to grid related technologies and return on investment, confirming that the benefits are tangible.
  • It is still early days, but the journey to mainstream grid adoption is underway
    Indices of knowledge, commitment and activity confirm that many companies have already started on the journey to grid computing through IT system standardisation and consolidation. The indices naturally decrease as we look at later stages of the adoption cycle, but the very strong evidence that early stage activity is driving later stage commitment bodes well for the future of the market.
  • Whilst the move to grid computing is seemingly inevitable, awareness remains the challenge
    There is little doubt that the utility model of systems delivery facilitated by grid computing represents the next major shift in the industry in terms of IT infrastructure evolution. The market is still in its infancy, however, and the major challenge as of today is lack of knowledge and understanding. But the benefits are real and significant so it is in the interests of both vendors and buyers of technology for the word to proliferate.