Raytheon uses Univa for grids

Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems unit will work with Univa to build an enterprise grid infrastructure for Raytheon's customers.

The Raytheon business selected the open-source Globus Toolkit for creating grid application. Univa, which provides software and services for Globus-based grids, will help Raytheon implement the Globus software. Raytheon represents Univa's first customer. Steve Tuecke, Univa's chief executive officer, managed the design and development of Globus prior to co-founding Univa in 2004.

Grid computing provides a method of sharing computing resources within and among organizations. Grids have traditionally been deployed in scientific and technical computing settings, but industry now promotes grid adoption within more mainstream enterprises.

Globus' standardized set of Grid protocols lets Raytheon "more efficiently manage its data-intensive applications, improve resource utilization and maximize its use of commodity computing hardware," a Univa spokeswoman said.

Univa partners with systems integrators, information technology vendors, and independent software vendors with the aim of delivering enterprise grid solutions. The company focused on Globus, which has been deployed at more than 1,000 sites and used in the National Science Foundation's TeraGrid and the United Kingdom's National Grid Service.

Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems unit specializes in imaging, geospatial intelligence, air-and space-borne command and control and environmental data management, among other areas.