ABSTRACT
If we look at the Grid as a loosely coupled set of interfaces (both for humans and for applications), application logic, and resources (databases, devices, computational resources, remote instrumentation, and human capital and knowledge), metadata can be thought of as the glue that holds them all together. The glue is easier to apply if all of the pieces are resident inside of the organization, but if some of them are located outside of the control structure, additional information is needed for the glue to do its work.
