Network initiative for latest grid technologies
The 'Networked European software and services initiative' (NESSI) is a European Technology Platform (ETP) that brings together industry, researchers and other stakeholders to promote grid technologies. The ETP works with stakeholders to define a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) and contribute to its implementation. The goal of NESSI has been to address major changes taking place in the fast moving IT services environment. This includes increased access to less expensive yet more reliable services to help drive industrial growth. NESSI can help Europe to play a leading role in the evolution of a new services-orientated economy. It combines the efforts of industry and academia to define a common strategy known as the NESSI Open Service Framework. The Nessi-grid project has enhanced the NESSI initiative by defining a vision and strategic research agenda for grid infrastructures used in business environments and NESSI scenarios. The project's main focus has been on next generation grid technologies to encourage the provision of IT services as utilities. Although the main objective of Nessi-grid was to define the SRA it also addressed other important issues such as standards, research infrastructure, training and dissemination. The project is also successfully supporting development of research into grid computing and service-orientated architecture (SOA). This was used to develop business processes packaged as services. Nessi-grid has also helped forge links with other R&D communities outside the EU. The Nessi-grid project will help maintain Europe's position as a global player in developing the next generation of grid technologies. This in turn will help contribute to the EU's growing knowledge economy.
