Cloud Computing Vs Grid Computing: Difference Between Cloud Computing & Grid Computing

Cloud computing and grid computing often get mistaken for one another — and it’s easy to see why. Both are network-based technologies that rely on shared computing resources to support a wide user base. They’re designed to optimize resource use, handle multitasking, and enable users to run multiple applications simultaneously.

However, their core differences lie in how they manage and distribute those resources. Grid computing focuses on virtualizing computing resources across a decentralized network or "grid," allowing systems to collaborate and handle large-scale tasks. In contrast, cloud computing centralizes resource management, delivering services to users over the Internet without direct access to the physical infrastructure.

In this article, we will examine the difference between grid computing and cloud computing and see how these two approaches differ in architecture, functionality, and applications. Read along to know how the two are distinct!

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Grid Computing

With the help of a number of computers all linked together on a network, grid computing aims to process a massive volume of data by pooling in all the available computing power from all the computers on the network. If you employ grid computing to solve a problem, it would instruct all the available processing units currently on the grid to work on the same issue, thus reducing the amount of time taken to solve the problem simultaneously. 

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Essentially, the definition of grid computing would be that it is a massive network of computers all connected with each other, all working in harmony to solve a common problem. The solution to the problem is found out by dividing the problem into smaller units known as grids. Grid computing follows a distributed architecture, meaning the tasks given to any computer over the grid are managed and given meticulously to avoid any clashes and minimize the overall time is taken (there is no time dependency). 

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Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the type of computing that is accomplished via the help of the internet. Any application which is running on the cloud computing setup cannot access the resource pool directly. Instead, the application must interact with the internet to gain access to any of the available computing power.

It is definitely a testament to the modern advancement which have been achieved in the 21st century. Cloud computing works best for remote access to any IT resource which might not be available but, at the same time, is very crucial for a computing problem to be solved.

Cloud computing allows for on-demand access to a vast resource pool, which is dynamically allocated. Since there is just a need for one main computer to handle resource allocation; thus, the cost of setting up the operations is also reduced. Cloud computing allows users to only use the applications they want without worrying about any of their own personal data. Essentially you pay only for what you use and what you need. 

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Difference Between Grid and Cloud Computing

Now that we have understood the particular meaning of the two terms, we can now pit grid computing vs. cloud computing, head to head, to understand what differences lie there:

1. The difference in technology

In Grid computing, the task at hand is broken down into smaller problems. Through a distributed network, the tasks are shared among the network of interconnected computers. Whereas, in cloud computing, there is just one central computing unit that takes care of the distribution of all the available resources. The resources can only be accessed with the help of the internet.

2. The difference in the way of they function

The primary function that grid computing is used for is scheduling jobs, where the available resources are divided and distributed into a number of small tasks that every computer on the grid is tasked to do.

After completing all these little tasks, all the allocated resources are acquired back by the main machine. Cloud computing, on the other hand, behaves on a need basis. Whenever there is a need for resources, the central computing unit allocates all the available resources and takes them back when the task is completed.

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3. The difference in their application

Cloud in cloud computing is actually a reference to the internet. The primary use of cloud computing is to ask for the resources whenever the need for them arises without having to buy either the software or the hardware by yourself. The cloud takes care of all resource allocation and management.

Whereas, researchers actually use grid computing to perform academic research because the pooling of such a considerable amount of computing power in one place allows for a faster and an efficient way to handle massive amounts of data. Not only does grid computing can handle massive amounts of data, but it can also perform the required actions and provide the desired results.

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4. The difference in resources

Grid computing requires the presence of physical hardware or software to be connected to the grid. The location of these resources, however, is not important as long as they are all connected. In cloud computing, there is just one central unit that takes care of everything. 

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What Next?

At upGrad, we offer the Advanced Certification in Cloud Computing program.

Our course will teach you the basic and advanced concepts of cloud computing, along with the applications of these concepts. You will learn from industry experts through videos, live lectures, and assignments. Moreover, you’ll get access to upGrad’s exclusive career preparation, resume feedback, and many other advantages. Be sure to check it out.

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