Satyam Computer to increase grid computing head count

Chennai: Software services major, Satyam Computer Services Limited, plans to increase head count by couple of hundred for its recently launched grid computing. The company is establishing a centre for this division in Chennai.

According to G B Prabhat, director, Consulting and Enterprise Solutions, "The grid computing practice offers immense potential for growth and the increase in work force for the division will be in hundreds. However, I am not in a position to specify exact numbers."

Grid computing helps an enterprise to maximise the utilisation of its computational resources without additional investments. Satyam Computer is targeting life sciences, government, financial services, geo-sciences and manufacturing sectors for this activity.

Satyam Computer will also provide pre-grid computing consultancy to assess whether a client needs to revamp its IT infrastructure or alter the hardware / software requirements for grid enablement and components required for further integration with other programmes.

The company had executed a project for the Hyderabad-based Dr.Reddy's Laboratories Limited, which has enabled the drug manufacturer to reduce the time for processing the molecular data drastically (See: Satyam launches dedicated 'grid computing')

Satyam Computer has also set up an in-house grind computing facility consisting of 200 nodes across two locations to enable prospective clients to run sample application on this platform. The bioinformatics department of the University of Pune has also used this lab.

Prabhat also said that the company is open to partnerships with others to augment its competency and to extend its reach globally. Already the company has an alliance with and American company United Devices Inc. "We will opt for venture capital funded small companies that has to potential to become future leaders."

IDC has estimated the world grid market to exceed $12 billion by 2007.