Usage Metering for Service-Oriented Grid Computing

Currently, the grid computing community is undergoing a paradigm shift from the traditional resource-centric model to a service-oriented one. The Open Grid Services Architecture (OGSA) from the Global Grid Forum proposes that Web service-like abstractions be used to encapsulate shared grid resources for service-oriented grid computing. An important management component of such an infrastructure which is essential for its success in enterprise environments, is the metering and accounting for grid service usage. This paper explores the problem space and presents an architecture that addresses this need. We start by defining taxonomy of grid services from the perspective of usage metering, charging and business models. We discuss how service usage can be measured, aggregated and communicated in a uniform way. Finally, we report on a prototype design and implementation. Market economics-driven issues such as pricing are not discussed in this paper. © 2006, IGI Global. All rights reserved.