I talked about a variation of this idea with pg, and he brought up some important points. First, who uses enterprise software like distributed computing? Outside of research, it's people unlike us, so what do we know about them? Pretty much nothing. Additionally, what IT manager at a solid company is going to buy the "el cheapo" (pg's phrase) solution when there are guys from Sun telling him/her "Just buy our system, and if anything bad happens, we'll fix it, and you won't lose your job."

BTW, the RSA Factoring Challenge has been over for some time: http://www.rsa.com/rsalabs/node.asp?id=2092.

But back to my first point, what else - besides trying to factor big numbers - would I/you/a-20-something-hacker do with a big distributed network? I can't think of anything.

True, I can think of a couple, but no killer app ideas. I have considered integrating it into another idea, though.

Interesting idea, but why would I (as a user) willingly want to give up my CPU cycles for another company? Simply put: What is my incentive?

With distributed computing services like Folding@Home or SETI@Home the incentive is usually to help out with the pursuit of science.

The companies pay them. Companies bid to have users increase their process' priority, or promise to pay a percentage of the earnings. Plus, most people barely use their CPU at all most of the time. If the system was secure with enforceable contracts, I don't see why this wouldn't work out.

Computers use a lot less power when they are idle. Do you think distributed computing can pay enough to cover the user's increased electricity bill plus enough of a profit to make it worthwhile for the user?

That's a good point. I'd have to research the issue.

You could use the system to try and win the RSA key challenges!

Here's a different version (and I haven't checked to see if such a facebook app exists): Why not pay users to fill out surveys? Help companies that need market research, and help consumers (like eRewards).