A Performance-Based Methodology To Improve Grid Exploitation

Due to their complexity, the exploitation of Grid environments is not a trivial activity for many users, and a key factor is to enable a simplified and transparent orchestration of resources and jobs. Particularly critical is the deployment of matching procedures capable to effectively meet user's requirements with resources offer. We introduce GREEN a management tool primarily devoted to the matchmaking process, based on a performance characterization of both resources and job requirements. Leveraging on a two-level benchmarking methodology, GREEN allows users to express performance preference through an appropriate extension to Grid submission and description languages such as JSDL and Glue. Operating at intermediate level between applications and Grid middleware, GREEN reduces the gap between users' needs and available resources thus enabling a seamless exploitation of the Grid.