Abstract: A new model of computer with active memory （CAM） is proposed, where the memory cells are equipped with traditional read/write operations as well as new execution operations. This CAM model extends the traditional RAM model, and can be used to study architectural mechanisms and algorithms design and analysis of emerging computing paradigms, such as system-on-chip （SoC）, reconfigurable computing, parallel computing, grid computing, and web service. For grid computing, this model is useful in studying grid protocols and execution mechanisms, the correctness and complexity of grid algorithms, and efficient interaction between grid clients and grid servers.