United Devices' Grid solutions to provide more accurate measurements for world-class national standards laboratory - National Physical Laboratory in UK

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, Oct 13, 2003

United Devices has announced that the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has selected the company's Grid MP Enterprise platform to increase the accuracy of its metrology and calibration technology. NPL maintains the United Kingdom's primary measurement standards and is charged with the nation's innovation in physical measurement.

"Mathematical modeling is crucial because many calculations necessary to accurate metrology don't involve just physical measurement itself, but the mathematical calculations required to create possible interpretations of measurement," said Dr. Nicholas McCormick, a principal research scientist at NPL. "Grid computing is a tool that allows us create more efficient mathematical models thereby improving our scientific methods of exacting measurement."

NPL linked the center's existing computer nodes using United Devices' Grid MP software platform, collectively harnessing previously unutilized power to create a virtual supercomputer capable of accelerating and refining their mathematical measurement simulations.

"We are proud to be serving the National Physical Laboratory," said United Devices' Director of Sales, Dan Durkin. "Their use of our Grid solution is but another example of how grid technology is delivering real results in a wide range of application areas."

The NPL carries out research in many areas of metrology--the science of measurement--including materials, acoustics, optical radiation and electrical analysis, as well as providing services to a wide range of clients from the biotechnology industry to the construction sector. All measurements--many at the atomic level--set the de facto standard for the nation as well as other parts of the world.