Introduction

What is the Access Grid?

The Access Grid is an internet based communication system using research technology to allow groups to collaborate at a distance using rich audio, multiple video streams, and presentation resources (e.g. distributed Power Point, high quality display sharing, etc.). The first Access Grid Node at Northwestern University (NU), is located in at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science in the Technological Institute Building (room L350). It was developed collaboratively by McCormick and NU Information Technology Services (NU-IT).

Where are other Access Grid Nodes?

Access Grid Nodes are located throughout the world, primarily at research universities, national laboratories, and corporate research divisions. You can view all of the sites by accessing: http://www-fp.mcs.anl.gov/fl/accessgrid/ag-nodes.htm. Events are being scheduled on the Access Grid all the time. You can check the global Access Grid Schedule at http://www.accessgrid.org to see events of interest.

What are some examples of Access Grid use?

The Access Grid is an integrated environment that supports group-to-group communication using high-speed networks over the Internet. It provides high-quality audio and real-time video that allow groups at multiple sites to interact simultaneously and share data and scientific instruments. Meeting participants appear in windows projected onto a large screen. Additionally, data windows from participants' personal or laptop computers can be integrated into the meeting (eg. display images, movies, presentations, spreadsheets).

The Access Grid links people in virtual space for activities such as teamwork sessions, remote training, and distance education classes. Entry points to this collaborative workspace could be as simple as a desktop computer or as sophisticated as a large format multimedia display system used in an interactive meeting room. Access Grid allows groups at different locations to collaborate without ever boarding a plane. These groups could be scientists, business people, government officials, educators, or students.