#CLOUD: "IBM SmartCloud Shares Desktops with Tablets"

Virtualization--the ability to access a common desktop from your laptop, tablet, smartphone or thin-client--just got a whole lot easier for enterprises comfortable with IBM's solution space. Its new SmartCloud Infrastructure enables employees to use their own, or enterprise supplied, mobile device of any kind even if they are empowered by alternative virtualization suites from Citrix or VMware. Using any of IBM's System x servers with its Tivoli end-point manager, enterprises can virtualize their entire operation so that employees can perform real work whether they are in the office, on-the-road, or sitting in a WiFi cafe anywhere in the world: R. Colin Johnson


Here is what IBM says about its new cloud-based virtualization suite: Building on four decades of industry leadership in large scale virtualization, IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced a set of flexible workplace solutions that enable clients to create a simple, cost-effective environment that allows employees to use any device to access workplace applications anytime and anyplace.

IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure solutions are designed to help clients get ahead of the rising trend toward employees bringing their own electronic devices to work. It allows organizations to manage desktops centrally while small or large numbers of users can access desk top applications from any location or device, including personal computers, tablets, smart phones, laptops and thin clients. The solutions were created to help clients escape the constraints of physical computing -- simplifying desktop management, tightening security, and enhancing overall employee productivity.

The IBM offerings support the widest range of industry hardware, software and virtualization platforms across various industries, including health care, education, financial services and retail, as well as the public sector, local, state and federal government agencies. For example, the 2,000-student Gilmer County, Texas Independent School District is using the offering to provide a more flexible workplace for teachers and administrators.
Said School District Technology Director Rusty Ivey, "The IBM virtual desktop solution with Virtual Bridges VERDE on System x allows us to lower desktop management costs, while improving data security and disaster recovery. VDI improves the productivity of our teachers and administrative staff, as well as lab users by providing instant access to the latest operating systems and applications anytime and anywhere, using their choice of electronic devices."

The IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure solutions come fully-tested across hardware, software and services to help streamline IT administration and help take the guess workout out of the transition to a virtual desktop environment. The offerings were created in collaboration with leading solutions providers such as Citrix, Virtual Bridges and VMware.

Using IBM System x servers running VMware Vie software, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. implemented a virtual desktop environment that included "Desktop Everywhere" to create an easy-to-use terminal. The bank started by replacing a virtual environment of 3,000 personal computers with Vie software. According to Bank-of-Tokyo-Mitsubishi Senior Manager Mizuhiko Tokunaga, company studies showed that the virtual desktop offered two advantages -- support for more software types and the ability to prevent an application failure from bringing down the entire system.

"Our strong ecosystem of partners and robust, open-reference approach provide a range of time-tested virtual desktop solutions for multiple environments," said Adalio Sanchez, general manager, IBM System x business. "Together, we're able to bring the power of virtual computing to any size company seeking secure, end-to-end solutions that provide greater agility, reduced costs and complexity, while freeing up critical IT resources."

IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure solutions are also being used at Corporate Information Systems Company Asia Pacific, a division of Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte, Ltd. The IBM System x powered solutions are immediately available worldwide in configurations to match a client's individual desktop management requirements
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