Scalable Computing journal
Scalable Computing Lab
Technical Committee on Scalable Computing

What is Scalable Computing?

Scalable computing involves using a computer system that can adapt to the need for more powerful computing capabilities. Scalability is also a desirable quality for a network, process, website, or business model. In terms of hardware, a scalable computer system may begin with one node, but more nodes can be added as and when there is a need for more computing capabilities.
 
When sold with IT equipment or software it’s sold as a feature to convince high growth businesses that their future needs can be accommodated easily and without recourse to expensive machine replacement or staff retraining.
 
Geographical spread. A scalable system need not be at one physical address. The easy availability of high-speed networks and powerful computers has led to the emergence of two computing trends: cluster computing and grid computing. Geographically remote desktop computers, storage systems, data sources, scientific instruments and clusters can be combined into what are known as computational grids. Highly scalable storage and computing capabilities can be spread over a wide geographical area and, in fact, across countries and continents.
 
Clusters of workstations connected by a LAN allow flexibility, low cost and easy scaling.
 
Example uses: Data warehousing. Scalability of computer architecture is one of the most important considerations when designing and deploying a data warehousing computer network.
 

- Industry Standards
- Scalable programming languages