The distributed computing infrastructure known as ‘the Grid’ has undoubtedly been one of the most successful science-oriented large- scale IT projects of the past 20 years. It is now a fully operational international entity, encompassing several hundred computing sites on all continents and giving access to hundreds of thousands of CPU (central processing unit) cores and hundreds of petabytes of storage, all connected by robust national and international scientific networks. It has evolved to become the main computational platform many scientific communities. This book presents lectures from the Enrico Fermi International School of Physics summer school Grid and Cloud computing: Concepts and Practical Applications, held in Varenna, Italy, in July 2014. The school aimed to cover the conceptual and practical aspects of both the Grid and Cloud computing. The proceedings included here are divided into eight chapters, with chapters 1, 2, 3 and 8 covering general applications of Grid and Cloud computing in various scientific fields, while chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7 discuss specific technical areas of Grid and Cloud structures. The book will be of interest to all those whose work involves the use of the Grid or Cloud computing.

Distributed computing, through the power of grids or clouds, has allowed software and hardware developers to achieve high performance computing through cutting-edge technologies that are constantly changing. Grid and Cloud Computing: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools and Applications presents a vital compendium of research detailing the latest case studies, architectures, frameworks, methodologies, and research on Grid and Cloud Computing. With over 100 chapters from authors from around the world, this four volume collection presents the most sophisticated research and developments from the field, relevant to researchers, academics, and practitioners alike. In order to stay abreast of the latest research, this book affords a vital look into grid and cloud middleware, hardware, and software research.

Born after World War II, large-scale experimental high-energy physics (HEP) has found itself limited ever since by available accelerator, detector and computing technologies. Accordingly, HEP has made significant contributions to the development of these fields, more often than not driving their innovations. The invention of the World Wide Web at CERN is merely the best-known example out of many. This book is the first comprehensive account to trace the history of this pioneering spirit in the field of computing technologies. It covers everything up to and including the present-day handling of the huge demands imposed upon grid and distributed computing by full-scale LHC operations—operations which have for years involved many thousands of collaborating members worldwide and accordingly provide the original and natural testbed for grid computing concepts. This book takes the reader on a guided tour encompassing all relevant topics, including programming languages, software engineering, large databases, the Web, and grid- and cloud computing. The important issue of intellectual property regulations for distributed software engineering and computing is also addressed. Aptly, the book closes with a visionary chapter of what may lie ahead. Approachable and requiring only basic understanding of physics and computer sciences, this book is intended for both education and research.

"This reference presents a vital compendium of research detailing the latest case studies, architectures, frameworks, methodologies, and research on Grid and Cloud Computing"-

"This reference presents a vital compendium of research detailing the latest case studies, architectures, frameworks, methodologies, and research on Grid and Cloud Computing"-