Parallel I/O for Cluster Computing

Data sets in large applications such as databases and data-mining applications are often too large to fit into a computer's internal memory. The resulting I/O (input/output) communications between internal memory and the slower external medium (such as disks) can present a major performance bottleneck. Amongh the possible computer architectural solutions to this problem are cluster computing platforms, which are collections of non-dedicated systems (for example, PCs) based on low-cost hardware, and these present themselves as affordable and suitable I/O systems. The aim of this publication is to present theoretical and practical advances that will assist potential new users and more experienced users in havng a greater understanding of the subject of I/O management. The first part of this book introduces selected topics and a number of effective solutions in different sub-topics of the field. The second part presents five research studies contributed by specialist researchers in the field, located mainly in Europe and the USA.