"Researchers and businesses in West Virginia will be able to access the first state-sponsored public Internet computing grid when the Global Grid Exchange is launched next month. The project, which will function as a supercomputer at a fraction of the cost, is a joint effort of the state, the West Virginia High Technology Consortium, Verizon and Hewlett Packard," reports AP.
"The consortium received a $14.7 million grant from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority to develop the grid, which will link computers in academic institutions, government offices and home personal computers that have excess capacity to advance work in such fields as biometrics and cancer research.
"Officials believe the grid will spark economic development initiatives within the state. It will be open to anyone beginning Nov. 19 through a portal for a yet to be determined fee. The initial phase cost $2.8 million."
