Computing Research Center Seminar
               =================================
 
 Title:     Worldwide Distributed  Analysis and Data Grids 
                   for Next-Generation Physics Experiments
 
 Prof. Harvey Newman, Caltech
 
 Date and time: July 13 (Thu) 13:30
 Place: "Seminar hall"  Bulding No.4, 1st floor
 
 Abstract:
 
      The major physics experiments of the next twenty years will break
 new ground in our understanding of the fundamental interactions,
 structures and symmetries that govern the nature of matter and spacetime.
 Realizing the scientific wealth of these experiments presents new
 problems in data access, processing and distribution, and collaboration
 across national and international networks, on a scale unprecedented in
 the history of science. 
 
   The challenges include: 
 
 - The extraction of small or subtle new physics signals from
   large and potentially overwhelming backgrounds,
 - Providing rapid access to event samples and subsets drawn
   from massive data stores, rising from 100s of Terabytes in 2000 
   to Petabytes by 2005, to 100 Petabytes by 2010,
 - Providing secure, efficient and transparent access to heterogeneous
   worldwide-distributed computing and data handling resources, across an
   ensemble of networks of varying capability and reliability,
 - Tracking the state and usage patterns at each site and across sites,
   in order to make rapid turnaround as well as efficient utilization of
   global resources possible
 - Providing the collaborative infrastructure that will make it possible
   for physicists in all world regions to contribute effectively 
   to the analysis and  the physics results, including from their home 
   institutions.
 
       In my talk I will provide a perspective on the key computing,
 networking and software issues, and the ongoing R&D aimed at building a
 worldwide-distributed system to meet  these diverse challenges. Over the
 last year this concept has evolved into that of a data-intensive,
 hierarchical "Data Grid" of national centers linked to the principal
 center at the experimental site, and to regional and local centers. I
 will summarize recent projects on distributed systems and  "Grid"
 developments in the US and Europe, touch on the synergy between these
 developments and work in other fields, and briefly discuss the potential
 importance for scientific research and industry in the coming years.