The GridBASE framework for database-driven grid computing is presented. The design and a prototype implementation of the framework is discussed. Industry-strength database technology plays a key role in the design of the framework. The database is used as a scalable, reliable and remotely accessible component both for storing and organizing the configuration information of the grid, and for managing information related to the grid users and the jobs and tasks they submit for execution. Other system components are worker nodes, a simple resource broker, a grid operator console, and application clients. In analogy with electrical power grids, a clear distinction is made in our design between the role played by grid users on the one hand, who develop and submit application code but are otherwise mostly isolated from resource deployment and selection, and the role played by the grid operator on the other hand, who is responsible for providing computing resources and assuring system avail...