Group Aims to Create World's Largest Computing Grid for Research

You've probably heard of SETI@home, the project started by UC Berkeley researchers that uses free time on personal computers connected over the internet to analyze radio telescope data with the hope of finding evidence for extraterrestrial life. Now, a similar effort, called the World Community Grid has developed the technical infrastructure to create the world's largest public computing grid. The purpose of the grid is to host scientific research projects that require massive amounts of computing power using computer time donated by the public and which will benefit humanity. The grid has nearly 100,000 members contributing over 150,000 computers that currently are being used to conduct research on human proteome folding. The grid is open to public and not-for-profit organizations and research results must remain in the public domain. Researchers may apply to use the grid by submitting a research proposal. Hardware, software, and technical services were donated by IBM to create the core infrastructure for the World Community Grid project.