Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for selecting optimal replica sources in a grid computing environment. As disclosed, the present invention overcomes shortcomings in the art involving location and selection of replica sources. In particular, the present invention selects an optimal replica source based on current and historical network statistics, as well as user-defined policies. The user-defined policies allow for customization of the replica source search, and the option of obtaining multiple ranked sources for parallel data transfer.

Abstract: A replication server accessible via a web browser provides high-level replication services and replication-related services to a user by leveraging low-level file transfer and replica location services associated with a grid. In one embodiment, a set of graphical user interfaces enables a user to edit attributes associated with a data file, replicate a set of data files such as a directory, publish data files to the replica location service, delete one or more data files, search for files with specific attributes, and conduct replication operations on search results. The aforementioned functionality is provided while maintaining the integrity of information maintained by the replica location services.