Grid Interoperability Based on a Formal Design

Abstract

We can distinguish two different Grid concepts: desktop and service Grids. Both Grid concepts have their advantages and disadvantages, however these are different. For example desktop Grids are a cost-effective platform, but sometimes unreliable. On the other hand service Grids are highly reliable, but need remarkable funding. The aim of Grid interoperability is to combine the advantages of the different Grid concepts, so the integrated infrastructure offers the best of both concepts. Within the paper we define the Grid interoperability problem, and approximate to the generic architecture through a formal model. We prove formally that the resulting architecture solves the Grid interoperability problem, and is generic enough to interconnect different Grid infrastructures with minor work. We also show in the paper that the formal concept can be applied for creating a gLite to BOINC bridge, and the performance of the core bridge implementation is satisfactory.