World Community Grid
World Community Grid
World Community Grid (pronounced: /wɜːrld kəˈmjuːnɪti ɡrɪd/) is a philanthropic initiative by IBM that harnesses the unused computing power of personal devices to advance scientific research.
Etymology
The term "World Community Grid" is derived from the concept of a grid computing system, which involves the use of multiple computers, often geographically dispersed, to solve a single problem. The "World Community" part of the name signifies the global participation of volunteers in this project.
Related Terms
- Grid Computing: A form of distributed computing whereby a 'super and virtual computer' is composed of a cluster of networked, loosely coupled computers acting in concert to perform large tasks.
- IBM: An American multinational technology and consulting company that is the initiator of the World Community Grid project.
- Volunteer Computing: A type of computing in which computer owners donate their computing resources to one or more "projects".
Function
The World Community Grid enables anyone with a computer, smartphone or tablet to donate their unused computing power to advance cutting-edge scientific research on topics related to health, poverty and sustainability. Through the contributions of over 650,000 individuals and 460 organizations, World Community Grid has supported 31 research projects to date, including searches for more effective treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and neglected tropical diseases.
Impact
The World Community Grid has had a significant impact on various fields of research. It has helped in the discovery of potential treatments for childhood cancer, enabled researchers to understand the impact of climate change on crop yields, and supported efforts to find a cure for the Zika virus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on World Community Grid
- Wikipedia's article - World Community Grid
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