Industry can count on grid computing.

• Position: Economic Outlook - Robert Cohen - Interview

The adoption of grid computing by North Carolina businesses could boost the state economy by $10.1 billion through 2010 and create 24,000 jobs, according to a study commissioned by the Raleigh-based Rural Internet Access Authority. Some companies have begun to use the technology. Others might be spurred to by the North Carolina Grid Computing Initiative, a joint venture of the UNC system and Research Triangle Park-based MCNC that will create a statewide grid on the UNC computer system. Robert Cohen, the study's author, is president of Cohen Communications Group in New York and a fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Economic Strategy Institute.

BNC: What is grid computing?

Cohen: A grid basically links computers using software. It is an evolution of the Internet that allows companies to share computer power and data with suppliers and customers or to speed processes that run their businesses.

How does it differ from and how is it better than the Internet?

Without being connected to the Internet, grid computing provides the power to do computations that a supercomputer would be required for, but without the high cost. By connecting such clusters via the Internet, we add not only computational capabilities for a wide range of industries but also the potential to tie innovations in software and database use to this new infrastructure fabric. In some people's view, grid-services infrastructure has the potential to supplant the Internet and serve as the next generation Internet.

How would it boost economic output?

Industries that adopt the technology, such as pharmaceuticals and financial services, become more productive and act as dynamic centers for growth. They spend substantial funds to deploy grids, which helps stimulate growth. They also are able to produce goods at lower cost and lower the prices of their goods. This makes them more competitive and brings more business to them, helping to spur additional growth.

What are examples of grid computing?

GlaxoSmithKline plans to use grids for drug discovery and drug development. The new technology raises the likelihood that Glaxo will be more successful in developing new drugs because it will be able to eliminate more of the drugs that would have problems in clinical trials. It can do this because grids provide for a much more substantial evaluation of chemical compounds that could be used in specific drugs. Bank of America is using data grids to enhance its ability to offer more online banking...