Further Pointers:

A simpler explanation from Google than the seminal paper is at:
code.google.com/edu/parallel/m ...

And a "code lab" (tutorial) on using Hadoop (the open-source implementation of MapReduce) is at:
code.google.com/edu/content/su ...

and especially their series of mini-lectures at:
code.google.com/edu/content/su ...

Very nice, informative post!

Thanks Phillip and Motti . Very helpful