Boeing has launched a new initiative to better integrate the core technologies of its Boeing Research & Technology Europe (BR&TE) team with the company's efforts around the world.

The initiative, called BR&TE Global Research in Distributed Computing (B-GRiD), will make it possible to optimize the use of available resources (computer systems, middleware, networks and data) and ensure a more secure exchange of information between Boeing sites and with global partners. The effort will focus on a broad range of BR&TE technologies, including those in advanced Air Traffic Management, safety and security, and the environment, said Francisco Escarti, managing director of BR&TE. "Our company is excited about this opportunity to expand our presence on the global stage with our core technologies," Escarti said.

"As our enterprise grows from a traditional, fully controlled, geographically local environment to a new, highly distributed global community with partners and suppliers around the world, we have to be able to share and connect people, content and resources in order to compete in emerging international markets," said Don Winter, Boeing Phantom Works vice president of engineering and information technology.

"Mutually beneficial collaborations are now the way that the world is moving," Winter said. "In these relationships, we look to collaborate with partners who offer distinct technological or business advantages that improve our position in current and future markets."

"B-GRiD will leverage existing expertise throughout the Boeing enterprise in core technology areas to address collaborations in Europe and around the globe," noted J.S. Hurley, senior manager of distributed software and systems integration, and head of Grid implementation and deployment. "The ultimate benefit from this initiative is the company optimizing all of its resources. The Grid paradigm focuses on optimum resource management, but generally all of the resource management emphasis has been placed on the computing side (hardware, middleware and networking); this effort also looks at people and the collaboration as valued resources. BR&TE currently utilizes distributed computing technologies, but emphasis is now on expanding efforts within Europe and on a global stage with other parts of Boeing as strategic partners."

Boeing Research and Technology Europe, located in Madrid, Spain, is an independent entity that belongs to Boeing Phantom Works. It is the first organization of this type that Boeing has established outside the United States. The center began activities in July 2002 as part of a corporate initiative to locate the world's best technology and talent to contribute to improving performance, quality and cost of Boeing products and services. The center has a staff of more than 50 employees and is a center of excellence in matters relative to the environment, safety and reliability, and air traffic control technology.

Boeing Phantom Works is the advanced research and development unit and catalyst of innovation for The Boeing Company. It provides advanced solutions and innovative, breakthrough technologies that reduce cycle time and cost while improving the quality and performance of aerospace products and services.