Right now, grid computing is one of the hottest topics here at SAS. To get more information about the technology and how people can get trained in it, I talked to Nancy Goodyear who manages e-Learning products at SAS.

What is grid computing?

Grid computing is a type of computing in which large computing tasks are distributed among multiple computers on a network. It integrates resources and distributes and manages tasks to provide a much larger, more powerful, and more efficient computing infrastructure.

Your department started by creating the e-Lecture, “Introduction to SAS Grid Computing.” Why was it developed and how did it lead to the e-Course, “Using SAS Client Applications with SAS Grid Manager”?

We developed the e-lecture in response to a request from a large, global company. They wanted a short engaging audio/visual presentation that would show their many programmers how grid computing could benefit them and thereby, generate enthusiasm for adopting this method.   It was such a success for this company that we decided to create a version of this e-lecture that would appeal to a more broad audience.  Because the e-lecture is more of a conceptual overview, we then developed the one-day e-course that provides training on how to prepare and submit jobs to the grid from a variety of SAS client applications, such as SAS Enterprise Guide, SAS Add-In for Microsoft Office, SAS Data Integration Studio, and SAS Enterprise Miner.

What are some of the highlights of these training tools?

The e-Lecture is an overview of SAS grid computing and hits on the basics of submitting SAS jobs to the grid.  It was designed to be engaging with special emphasis on the graphics.  

The e-Course goes deeper into grid computing by teaching students how to submit SAS jobs to the grid from a variety of SAS client applications. We designed the course to be very interactive with demonstrations, simulations and quizzes that help reinforce knowledge.

Who can benefit from it?

The e-Lecture is great for anyone interested in grid computing and especially benefits decision makers.

The e-Course is more in-depth and is designed for power users.

If you’re looking for more information about SAS Grid Computing, visit the website.  You can also contact training@sas.com for more information about the e-Lecture and e-Course.

I’d like to know how grid computing has impacted you. Leave your comments below.

P.S. If you’re going to be at the Analytics 2012 conference in Las Vegas next week, check out Rohit Valia’s presentation on grid computing or visit the SAS Grid Computing booth for more information.