Role of Wireless Grids in Outsourcing and Offshoring: Approaches, Architectures, and Technical Challenges

Abstract

The growing incidence of outsourcing and offshoring of professional applications is motivating increasing interest in the use of grid computing and grid topologies for meeting the infrastructure requirements. A Wireless Grid facilitates the exchange of information and the interaction between heterogeneous wireless and wired devices. Depending on the nature of the interactions among the constituencies served by the wireless grid, various layouts can be envisaged to provide ubiquitous services. A wireless grid is similar to the wired grid in terms of its distributed nature, the requirement for standards and protocols, and the need for adequate Quality of Service. In addition, a Wireless Grid has to deal with the complexities of the limited power of the mobile devices, the limited bandwidth, and the increased dynamic nature of the interactions involved. The ability of the grid models to address outsourcing needs is contingent upon the efficient resolution of multiple technical challenges.