Build a Prototype "Grid In A Box" Software Product for NOAA

Brief Description of Problem: NOAA¿s AWIPS is a cornerstone of NWS¿ forecast mission. As advanced as AWIPS is, it still faces challenges similar to many systems, including: system capacity over-/under-utilization; data and analysis stovepiping; and complex data management needs. Innovations: In Phase 1, FTI successfully demonstrated that grid computing and ontologies could enable communications between AWIPS computer systems. FTI will leverage this success to exploit the commercial potential of this innovation in Phase 2. FTI¿s approach is innovative in that it: applies grid computing to mainstream government needs; employs an innovative open source software business model; and builds upon FTI¿s standards-based software development ¿best practices.¿ Project Objectives: FTI¿s objective is to build a working prototype ¿Grid In A Box¿ product to address NOAA¿s need for easier-to-use high performance computing options both within and outside of AWIPS. FTI will then refine this product for targeted marketing to government and commercial sectors. Technical Approach: FTI¿s working prototype will consist of the following components, built on open source/open architecture software: the core ¿Grid In a Box¿ product; a supporting proprietary toolkit for non-grid experts; and an online product sales and delivery portal. FTI will validate prototype performance in a ¿real world¿ NOAA environment.