3.1 is the Magic Number

Oracle's newly-launched Grid Index survey aims to map the adoption of Grid Computing technologies in Europe over time. The Index shows that the uptake of Grid-like technologies already stands at 3.1 out of a possible 10, with organisations steadily becoming more aware of the benefits of this new computing model.

Whether you call it utility computing, on-demand computing or grid computing, the message is catching on across Europe: pooling computing resources across the enterprise saves money and increases efficiency. A new Grid Index launched at Oracle OpenWorld London is designed to map the increasing levels of awareness and uptake of Grid-related technologies over time.

Conducted by business and IT analyst firm Quocirca, the study will poll a sample group of 603 European on a quarterly basis to measure the advance of Grid Computing in the region. Currently, the Oracle Grid Index for Autumn 2004 stands at 3.1 out of a possible 10, with 0 signifying a low score and 10 a high one. Grid computing refers to the process by which computing resource in different machines is pooled to form one flexible "virtual machine".

Quocirca questioned the 603 respondents on their awareness of, attitudes towards and adoption to date of Grid Computing technologies. For those that have already started on a Grid strategy, the survey also asks for details of any benefits gained to date.

The findings of the first survey reveal that Grid Computing is more advanced among large corporates (those with upwards of 10,000 employees) than smaller organisations. Commitment to its adoption is especially high in the retail, financial services and Utilities sectors, and is more pronounced in Northern Europe, with Benelux, France, Germany and the UK all recording above-average scores for planned Grid adoption.

"It is encouraging to see, even at this early stage, that many European CIOs understand the benefits of Grid technology and in some cases are getting tangible return on investment," said Sergio Giacoletto, executive vice president for Oracle Europe, Middle East and Africa. "The information revealed as part of the Oracle Grid Index should act as an inspiration to other CIOs to take up the opportunity."

"At Oracle we are committed to Grid Computing because we are convinced by the benefits it can give our customers," he said. "We believe that Grid, as with the Internet before it, offers the next major opportunity for our customers to get ahead of their rivals."

The Oracle Grid Index was presented to ISVs attending the Oracle EMEA ISV Forum by Oracle's EMEA VP of server technologies, Andrew Sutherland. He reassured ISVs that adopting Oracle's Grid Computing platform would not necessarily mean extra work or new skills. "Oracle 10g dynamically allocates processor resource across the Grid and directs it to wherever it is needed most. It does all of the workload balancing for your solution automatically," he explained, urging attendees to evaluate the benefits of Grid Computing today.

It was a message that resonated with ISVs in the audience. David Peace, technical director of UK travel industry solutions provider PowerSoft, told ISV News that processor resource optimisation is a priority area in his company's installed base of travel operators. "All our customers are aware of the amount of processor resource they have left over and are looking for ways to utilise it better," he said. "They are all evaluating Grid computing."

The full findings of the Oracle Grid Index for Autumn 2004 are available at http://www.oracle.com/global/uk/oracle_grid_. The next survey will be published towards the end of the year.