Dell Introduces Virtualization Solutions, Enterprise Products and Services to Fast Track Efficiency New virtualization products and services simplify data center performance Dell improves technology efficiency for small-and-medium businesses with turnkey virtualization configurations, PowerEdge servers and advanced EqualLogic storage arrays New Dell PowerEdge R410 server brings 80 percent improved performance* to technical and high performance computing Dell expanded its enterprise technology portfolio to help organizations become more efficient through the innovative use of technology. The introduction of flexible and modular virtualization and data center consulting services, business-ready virtualization configurations, new Dell PowerEdge servers and EqualLogic PS4000 storage array will further simplify the planning, deployment and management of virtualized and physical IT environments. The expanded lineup attacks cost and complexity for two key areas of enterprise computing – virtualization and high-performance computing (HPC) – while providing differentiated solutions for small-and-medium sized businesses. Virtualization : Virtualization is at the heart of data center efficiency. Dell is delivering enhanced virtualization solutions and services to reduce planning time for a faster path to efficient infrastructures, accelerate virtualization adoption and simplify management of virtual environments. Improved Planning : Dell is introducing new flexible and modular virtualization consulting services. Dell’s technology accelerated Dell ProConsult offerings use electronic discovery, Web based surveys, best practices, comparative data and reference architectures for shorter, more impactful engagements. To help holistically optimize data centers, Dell is introducing a variety of consulting options aimed at reducing the cost to plan, manage and run them 
latform Optimization and Virtualization makes IT infrastructures more effective through an analysis of workload requirements, reference architectures and validated solutions. Dell virtualization services can dramatically reduce total cost of ownership, provision virtual machines in minutes instead of the weeks for traditional machines and help customers build a standards-based virtual environment. Data Center Planning and Management helps customers make IT investment decisions faster based on sound best practices and key technology insights rather than long-term, manual consulting engagements. Disaster Recovery helps customers plan and implement an effective and affordable disaster recovery program balancing people, processes and technology. Data Management quickly diagnoses problems and recommends proven storage solutions to help eliminate unused capacity, provision storage faster, and comply with internal policies and external regulations. Facilities Efficiency resolves space, power and cooling issues in priority order to help customers avoid expensive air conditioning upgrades and help reduce energy consumption. Fast Deployment : Two business-ready virtualization configurations simplify the design, procurement and deployment of virtual enterprise infrastructures. Data Center Virtualization Configuration: The unified virtualization platform with pre-configured architectures combines Dell PowerEdge M-series blades and EqualLogic PS6000 iSCSI storage technology, with Cisco Catalyst networking switches, VMware vSphere™ 4 and Platespin Migrate from Novell to achieve an intelligent, automated data center. Small and Medium Business Virtualization Configuration: The Dell virtualization configuration combines the PowerEdge R710, Dell PowerVault MD3000i, PowerVault DL2000 powered by Symantec for backup and PowerConnect networking technology together with Microsoft’s virtualization suite, including Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V and System Center Essentials and System Center-Virtual Machine Manager 2008, to reduce cost and simplify management of virtualization. Dell is announcing additional virtualization solutions including :Enhanced Hypervisors: Support for VMware vSphere 4 and Citrix® Essentials for XenServer™ 5.0, and will support Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V to help customers deploy the latest virtualization software solutions. Dell now supports VMware vSphere 4 across 37 Dell PowerEdge platforms to help customers deploy the latest virtualization software solutions for both enterprise and small and medium business customers. VMware vSphere 4 helps customers of all sizes transform their datacenters into internal private clouds. Disaster Recovery: Dell EqualLogic Auto-Snapshot Manager 2.0 for VMware vSphere 4 simplifies data protection and recovery through automation and integration with VMware vSphere 4. It delivers “Always On IT” for reduced application downtime and data protection managed under a single pane of glass for simplified and affordable disaster recovery. Dell EqualLogic arrays integrate with the VMware platform through support for the VMware vStorage™ APIs, enabling disaster recovery support for VMware vCenter™ Site Recovery Manager and enhanced performance with the EqualLogic Multipathing Extension Module for VMware vSphere 4. Application Virtualization: Dell helps companies make critical decisions for virtualizing business applications with published best practices and validated workloads for Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft SQL Server applications for faster and more cost effective deployment. Simplified Management : Dell helps eliminate the complexity from managing virtual infrastructure by providing tailored management solution that best fit individual business needs. Dell Virtualization Management toolkit: A choice of Dell and partner management tools that include Dell OpenManage and EqualLogic storage management, with key systems management platforms such as Dell Management Console, Microsoft, Symantec, and VMware, so you can easily manage virtual and physical environments. Virtual infrastructure capabilities: Solutions from Novell and Vizioncore provide data protection with OEM virtual to physical, physical to virtual and physical to physical conversion solutions. Virtual Server Remote Monitoring and Reporting: Dell ProManage Virtual Server Remote Monitoring and Reporting helps to provide improved visibility into VM performance and determine average utilization for processor, memory, network and disk at the VM level for better virtual and physical asset management. It also provides complete end-to-end VM reporting, monitoring and management 24X7 by Dell’s Service Operations Center. As a result, IT staff can be freed up from day-to-day administrative tasks and focus on driving strategic company value. http://reviews-mann.blogspot.com/2010/02/final-fantasy-xiii-preview.html http://twitter.com/lizareckon http://www.google.com/profiles/mannzunty
<!– @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } A:link { color: #0000ff } –> The Need for Convergence in Desktop Virtualization Desktop and application virtualization technologies have made incremental progress by developing specific approaches to solve individual desktop computing challenges. Local virtual desktop have been successful in development and testing because they provide complete operating system isolation. Server-based computing and VDI have enabled enterprises to centralize desktop computing in the data center for task workers and outsourcers to increase security and availability. Application virtualization and streaming have enabled enterprises to distribute applications without installation and run multiple versions of the same application at the same time. However, no single approach to desktop virtualization has delivered a compelling solution to replace traditional PCs because each has significant barriers to widespread adoption. What is needed is a desktop virtualization solution that provides complete convergence and delivers the familiar experience of a Windows desktop using the right desktop virtualization technology for the right user scenario. Desktop Virtualization User Requirements Enterprises are made up of different types of workers that have unique desktop computing requirements. While the percentage breakdown for each type of worker varies by industry and company, most large enterprises have some population within each category (see Figure 1). Traditional PCs have evolved over the past two decades to meet the requirements of each type of user. To replace traditional PCs, desktop virtualization must provide a single desktop virtualization platform that can meet the needs of task workers, campus workers, mobile workers, remote workers and address unmanaged PCs used by employees, contractors and consultants. 1) Task Workers Task workers use a thin client or low end PC to accomplish a specific task while working on a campus network. This type of user does not typically require personalization or the ability to install applications. In fact, task workers often share the same PC with other users during different shifts. VDI or server-based computing is often ideal for this type of user because of the ability to centralize and pool resources. Network streaming can also be used for these types of users. 2) Campus Workers The campus worker uses a desktop PC (or thin client) on the internal LAN to connect to computing services. Campus workers prefer a personalized desktop environment where they can install their own plug-ins and applications and configure settings to their preference. Depending on the types of campus worker, local desktop virtualization, network streaming or VDI may be appropriate. 3) Mobile Workers Mobile workers use a laptop as their primary workstation. These users work at home, on the road, and in the office. They use a mix of wired and wireless networking to connect to computing services over the LAN and over the WAN using VPN. Mobile workers require personalization, the ability to work offline and sync their desktop, particularly if they have multiple computing devices. Using local desktop virtualization on a laptop or running their virtualized desktop from a portable drive is ideal for mobile workers. 4) Remote Workers Remote workers work primarily at home or at a remote branch office that is connected over a WAN using a VPN. Remote workers use either a laptop or a desktop computer depending on their mobility and rarely if ever work on campus. Using local desktop virtualization on a laptop or running their virtualized desktop from portable drive is ideal for the mobile worker. <!– @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } A:link { color: #0000ff } –> You can find more information here: Workspace Virtualization
As computer networks continue to grow designers are faced with the challenge of catering for an ever increasing range of business requirements without blowing out the cost of the solution. Businesses today are placing more of an emphasis on security and converged [voice, video and data] as well as a more efficient use of computer resources across expensive links. Fortunately for network designers, network virtualization technologies such as Virtual Router Forwarding (VRF), Virtual LANs (VLAN), Virtual Device Context (VDC) and Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are providing the flexibility that modern networks demand. How? The short answer is that virtualization technologies allow one piece of hardware to be split into a number of logical devices. This way, technology can adapt to evolving organizational changes such as restructures, mergers and growth without compromising the existing network. This can reduce the risks associated with network changes, reduce the need for large scale capital investment in infrastructure and make the most efficient use of existing network resources. Take an organizational merger as an example of a changing business landscape. Conflicting IP address schemas can delay the sharing of network resources due to the complexity of renumbering servers and other critical infrastructure. But using virtualization technologies, designers can run the conflicting network IP ranges in parallel across the same wire without the need to renumber either organization’s infrastructure. Central translation points can then be configured to provide access between the networks completing the interim solution and making resources available across organizations quickly and inexpensively! Buying more time through this type of solution means that the more permanent consolidation activities can take place over time without the pressure from the business who are happily accessing each other’s resources over virtualized network components. Remaining consolidation activities can then also be aligned with existing network hardware refresh projects (typically network hardware is replaced every 4-5 years) further streamlining costs due to the reduction of scope in the initial consolidation work. This is just one example of the flexibility that network designers have through the use of network virtualization technologies. Of course, virtualization also lends itself to permanent network design solutions as well. VPNs, for example can be used to save money by utilizing public or third party network infrastructure as opposed to commissioning costly private infrastructure to provide connectivity. VLANS are another example of virtual segregation on a network. For Directors, CIO and CEOs knowledge that there may be alternatives to additional links and hardware when growth or organizational flexibility is required may come as an oasis in a sea of ones and zeros. Virtualization technologies excel in delivering innovative solutions and should be given due consideration on any network design. Co-founder of IT-pathways.com and author Andres Villalva B.IT, AssDip(Eng), MCNE, CCNP, Project+ is an Information Technology professional specializing in Telecommunications Architecture.
Remote Control Software, also known as PC Remote Access software, is poised to become some of the better known and most used software among computer users worldwide. The reasons for this predicted upcoming explosion in popularity are numerous, but some of the main ones include the incredible flexibility they provide to mobile workers, the improved efficiency they can bring to call centers and the unprecedented levels of connectivity they give classrooms of all types. With the recently released iPad and the upcoming iPhone 4, more and more users will be able to take advantage of this software, and use the power of their handheld devices to tap into the resources of their home systems. In this article we will examine some other ways in which this Remote Desktop Software can help a business and its worker’s save time and money while remaining as productive as possible. Virtualization – Virtualization is an option that has grown in popularity in recent years. It involves a rethinking of traditional computer setups. In the office environment most of us have become accustomed to, each worker has a computer that holds all the software that worker will need. While this gives each worker a fully functional system to use, it comes with drawbacks. For example, in this traditional system, it can be difficult for IT administrators to initiate new software installs and to update existing software. Days or weeks can be wasted as the IT admin must manually install the software on the system of each worker. Security factors must also be considered in these traditional set-ups. In the traditional set-up, each user will have antivirus software installed on their system, with specific settings and internet usage restrictions. The savvier worker can find ways around these settings to violate their company’s internet policy, access forbidden content or accidentally introduce threats to the digital security of the company. With virtualization, most of these issues become non-existent. The virtualized system involves one main server or powerhouse computer acting as a sort of software host for the rest of the network. This one computer will hold all relevant and required software, including security software. The workforce will work from what are known as thin clients. These thin clients are computers which host very little software and can only access programs by connecting to the central system. The connection from these thin clients to the server is made through the use of PC Remote Access software. This software not only facilitates the connections, but helps set up the virtualization process. Once in place, businesses will enjoy higher standards of security and worker compliance, as security settings will not be able to be overcome. Additionally, redundant software purchases can be avoided and time sensitive updates can be instantly applied to the single software bearing machine. We see here that virtualization offers many advantages to businesses which rely upon the use of multiple computers. All that is required to virtualize your business are a few bare bones computers, one powerful system and an install of PC Remote Access software. This article was written by Tim Kennedy on behalf of Proxy Networks. He recommends you consider Proxy Networks for all your Remote Control Software, Remote Desktop Software and PC Remote Access needs.
Cloud computing is changing the IT world in a way which is unprecedented in last decade. The economy of scale and predicable performance is pushing cloud computing across the enterprises. A significant part of the cloud-computing infrastructure available in world consists of reliable services delivered through data centers such as Amazon. In principle, cloud-computing customers do not own the physical infrastructure, instead avoiding capital expenditure by renting usage from a third-party provider. Although cloud computing is a very promising paradigm, still not every company would want to use public clouds. Especially for core applications and applications with sensitive data, enterprises lean towards private clouds. There are many technology options available today for cloud computing. VMware VMware is the industry’s first cloud operating system, transforming IT infrastructures into a private cloud. High availability, performance and reliability of VMware with cost-effective solutions are special advantages for small IT environments. VMware brings unique characteristics to cloud computing, designed to serve the needs of businesses that want production-level performance and reliability, on and off premise. VMware vSphere: Leveraging key technology advancements found in VMware vSphere, users get the assurance that applications can be managed, moved and operated in the cloud as they do onsite. VMware vSphere aggregates and holistically manages large pools of infrastructure—processors, storage and networking as a seamless, flexible and dynamic operating environment. VMware ESXi and VMWare Server: Besides vSphere, VMware also offers VMware ESXi, which can be used as initial virtualization platforms. Once user is convinced of the value, he can move to more robust VMware vSphere stack. Microsoft Microsoft’s cloud offerings have the Hyper-V and the Windows Azure Platform which is a development platform for ISVs to build applications on Hyper-V: Microsoft Hyper-V is a hypervisor based virtualization system that can be used for x64 computers. Hyper-V can be used to enable a very reliable and cost effective virtualization solution. Hyper-V supports mixed OS virtualization with Windows and Linux systems. In the latest Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 provides features like live migration and cluster shared volume support. Windows Azure platform: Windows Azure Platform offers a flexible, familiar environment for developers to create cloud applications and services. With Windows Azure, you can shorten your time to market and adapt as demand for your service grows. The OS component of Windows Azure is what provides the plumbing for development, service hosting and service management. Xen Xen is an open source cloud-computing project initiated by Citrix. Main goal of the project is to build open standards for virtualization management, improve the allocation of virtual workloads including transitioning workloads between datacenters, build a virtual switch, and enable massive cloud infrastructures. Latest offering Xen 4.0 adds significant memory and security optimizations that will drive virtualization infrastructure to an entirely new class of performance. As a result, virtualization is made suitable for all workloads, even network intensive and high performance computing applications that would have previously experienced compromised performance on any hypervisor.
