HP merging grids, business computing

Hewlett-Packard has begun a push to merge the supercomputing world of "grid" computing with its own business-oriented products.

Grids--pools of computers and storage systems pooled together to form what is essentially a supercomputer--have been popular in technical computing environments such as the Department of Energy. Established companies including IBM, Sun Microsystems, Compaq Computer and HP are working to make the concept applicable to business tasks as well.

HP's work in marrying the two worlds comes through its software and hardware for setting up "data centers"--centralized rooms that are chock-full of computers, with heavy-duty air conditioning systems and raised floors to house the miles of cables.

The Palo Alto, Calif.-based computing stalwart is focusing on security issues for grid computing, ensuring that computer users can use only the computer resources they're authorized to tap into, HP said Tuesday.