MET CS 894 -- Grid Computing (Spring 2007)

Instructor

Suresh Kalathur, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Computer Science Dept.
Boston Univeristy Metropolitan College
808 Commonwealth Ave, Room 250
Boston, MA 02215

E-mail: kalathur@bu.edu
URL:http://people.bu.edu/kalathur
Phone: 617-358-0006
Fax: 617-353-2367

Course Description

GRID COMPUTING realizes the concepts of distributed computing and data resources such as processing, network bandwidth and storage capacity by creating a single system image -- granting users and applications uniform and seamless access to vast IT capabilities. A grid user essentially sees a single, large virtual computer. The new Open Grid Services Architecture defines interfaces and protocols that make it easier to construct decentralized, dynamic, large-scale systems. In this course, we will explore and evaluate this technology by using it to develop a range of scalable distributed services. With grid computing, organizations can optimize computing and data resources, pool them for large capacity workloads, share them across networks and enable collaboration.

The course grading will consist of homework problems, a mid term exam (open text), a final programming project and presentation.

Intended Audience

For students working in industries dealing with vast amounts of data processing, for e.g., financial institutions, health care & insurance companies, understanding the concepts behind Grid computing and the various tools provided by different vendors would be greatly beneficial and an asset to their careers. Industry leaders like Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, and Sun provide the Grid computing solutions that the students will use in the class.

Course Grading Policy

The course grade will be based on active class participation (10%), assignments (30%), mid term exam (30%), final project and presentation (30%). Assignments and projects are expected to be submitted by their respective due dates. Late submission grades will be scaled with respect to the minimum grade of those submitted on time.

Course Web Site

All course materials will be posted using BU's WebCT site. This requires all students to have an account with the BU computer system. Click here for instructions if you require an account.

Click here to enter WebCT site for this course.

References

Student Conduct Code

Please review the academic conduct code

Tentative Course Schedule

Module 1: Overview of Grid Computing (1 Lecture) Module 2: Grid Framework and Architecture (5 Lectures)

Mid Term Exam (1 Lecture)

Module 3: Tools and Infrastructure (5 Lectures)

Module 4: Applications (2 Lectures)