Elastic computing seems to be the next logical step when it comes to scalable application infratsructure. While still in its infancy, this segregation of systems architecture from application architecture is of great value to businesses that don't have predictions of product usage, allowing them to scale up on demand. Companies like Elastra are providing service based Elastic Computing on their own existing grids.

From an environmental perspective, there are an enormous amount of wasted cycles on underutilized server and home computers. Generally servers operate well below their safe threshold as a design decision to accomodate peaks. Home computers are often left on and generally are at 0% utilization for the majority of the day.

This existing infrastructure is completely untapped and provides a great platform for both utilization and a revenue source for those that have underutilized infrastructure.

A distributed application which provided a platform (a la seti@home) for Elastic Computing could easily be downloaded onto existing servers and home pcs, providing the horsepower to drive expanding applications and also provide owners with a revenue source for underutilized systems. Adopters of the distributed application could be paid on a per usage basis and be included as part of the Elastic Cloud.

In my mind, with the concerns of energy usage and constant turn over of systems infrastructure, this solution both moves us towards a more environmentally friendly approach to computing and allows for owners of infrastructure to utilize it to the maximum while providing a revenue stream.

Wish I had time to build the app.