Stephen Downes

A description of some of the problems inherent in grid computing. In a nutshell: the requirements of coordinating a netowrk of computers that may start and stop processing at any point may take up as much processing power as the network contains. I love the analogy that starts the piece: "the problem with a multiengine airplane is that sometimes you need them all." To get four heavy engines off the ground, you need the resources of all four engines, creating a high risk situation with an increased possibility of failure.