| It is a process architecture that combines different computing resources from multiple locations to achieve desired and common goal. | It is process architecture that provide on-demand computing resources and infrastructure on basis of pay per use method. |
| It distributes workload across multiple systems and allow computers to contribute their individual resources to common goal. | It allows organization to allocate and segregate computing resources and infrastructure to various users on basis of their requirements. |
| It makes better use of existing resources, address rapid fluctuations in customer demands, improve computational capabilities, provide flexibility, etc. | It simply reduces IT costs, easier to manage, provide greater flexibility, compatibility, provide more convenience, etc. |
| It mainly focuses on sharing computing resources. | It mainly focuses on acquiring computing resources. |
| It is of three types i.e., computational grid, data grid, and collaborative grid. | It is of two type i.e., Internal and external utility. |
| It is used in ATMs, back-end infrastructures, marketing research, etc. | It is used in large organizations such as Amazon, Google, etc., where they establish their own utility services for computing storage and applications. |
| Its main purpose is to integrate usage of computer resources from cooperating partners in form of VO (Virtual Organizations). | Its main purpose is to make computing resources and infrastructure management available to customer as per their need, and charge them for specific usage rather than flat rate. |
| Its characteristics include resource coordination, transparent access, dependable access, etc. | Its characteristics include scalability, demand pricing, standardized utility computing services, automation, etc. |