No. 44 Ian Foster, academic and grid computing pioneer
Last year's position: 23
Ian Foster, known as 'the father of grid', makes a return to the Agenda Setters list this year, albeit at a reduced placing - from 23 last year to 44 this year.Best known for his early work in grid computing, Foster remains an influential figure in the world of technology and continues to work as a researcher and academic in grid.
According to the panel, Foster wins his place in the top 50 due to his role as "spokesman" for the grid computing movement, which is increasingly finding favour outside of academia, particularly in the financial services sector.
Foster's potential for future Agenda Setting has been increased by his decision to go commercial. The 'grid father' recently launched his own business, Univa, selling support and services to those businesses which have already adopted grid technology.
Take a walk down memory lane - and find out who made the Agenda Setters poll over the years:
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--Peter Rowell, Regent Associates executive chairman and Agenda Setters panellist
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