The National University of Singapore, IBM and Intel have teamed up to promote the use of grid computing. The three are investing $8 million to set up Grid Innovation Zone (GIZ@NUS) at the university. At an event marking the launch of GIZ@NUS yesterday, the three signed a memorandum of understanding to set up the centre which will help build competency in grid computing technologies in the industry and establish 'proof of market for the technology', said Tan Chee Kiow, deputy director of NUS' Computer Centre. GIZ@NUS is supported by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore. 'We believe that GIZ will contribute significantly to our efforts to jumpstart the commercialisation of grid computing,' said IDA's CEO Tan Ching Yee. IBM Singapore's country manager (open computing centre) Wan Mee Fem said: 'IBM, Intel and NUS share a vision of using grid technology to significantly broaden the boundaries of academic research and commercial use.' Ms Wan added that the grid centre also aims to help businesses in Singapore stay competitive in the global marketplace by leveraging the benefits of grid computing technologies to improve operational efficiency, enhance productivity and adapt more quickly to changing business conditions. Intel's director of South-east Asia and Singapore country manager, Lai Yit Loong, said: 'GIZ@NUS is a timely initiative that will see the promotion of the usage of grid computing infrastructures in Asia-Pacific.' Training will be provided to users on grid solutions architecture, standards, best practices and cutting-edge technologies, Ms Wan said. GIZ@NUS will serve as a test-bed for grid computing pilot projects where users can leverage on IBM's grid computing expertise. NUS is planning to link up various research computing resources in the university to form a single virtual system. Apart from this, resources and expertise at the centre will be used to enable grid applications in areas like Bioinformatics and remote sharing of computing resources and research equipment. Business partners of IBM and Intel will be able to carry out proof-of-concept studies at the centre before deploying a new solution. NUS will offer its research expertise in supporting, development and deployment of the grid technology as well as provide office facilities and computing equipment as part of its investment in the centre.