The Grid would allow the consortium to run simulations of various combinations of components from different manufacturers, while keeping the proprietary know-how associated with each component concealed from other consortium members.

ECONOMIST: REPORT: COMPUTER NETWORKS: Computing power on tap | The

Many firms now know that it offers more flexibility than proprietary programs, the licences for which often include restrictions on how they can be used, explains Matthew Aslett, of the 451 Group, a market-research firm.

ECONOMIST: Open-source software in the recession: Born free | The