[ Thanks to Paul
Eggert for this link. ]
“Sun Grid Engine software is distributed management software
that optimizes utilization of software and hardware resources in
heterogeneous networked environments. Sun Grid Engine software
aggregates the compute power available in dedicated compute farms,
networked servers and desktop workstations, and presents a single
access point to users needing compute cycles.”
“Sun Grid Engine software can also be used to make use of a
great deal of hidden compute power — that of desktop workstations.
For example, on average only 5% to 20% of the useful power of
workstations are used. These resources are typically underutilized
during the nights and weekends when they could be more productively
used to run batch jobs. Sun Grid Engine software can be
configured to open up desktops on a calendar basis, say from 6:00
PM to 6:00 AM, Monday through Friday, and all day on weekends. Sun
Grid Engine software can also sense the load on these desktop
systems, and stop or suspend running batch jobs if the workstation
owner returns.”
“This product will be available for other UNIX platforms before
the end of December 2000, including: Irix 6, HP/UX 11, Linux,
True64 UNIX, AIX.”