What does the data center of the future look like? Well, HP Labs built one to find new ways to cool machines while using less power. Chandrakant Patel, HP Fellow & Director of HP Labs’ Sustainable IT Ecosystem Laboratory, gives us a tour of the lab, which actually was used to render the first two Shrek movies.
Check out the full video here
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. » 7/1/2008 » Citrix Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTXS), the global leader in application delivery infrastructure, extended its popular Citrix Advisor Rewards program today to pay channel partners on sales of Citrix XenServer™ software that ships as an embedded feature in servers from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like HP. The program, originally introduced in 2004, pays Citrix® Solution Advisors for designing and delivering solutions based on Citrix application delivery products, even if a different channel partner ultimately fulfills the order. Extending the program to include embedded versions of XenServer eliminates any potential channel conflict with OEM partners and ensures strong incentives across the board by compensating partners that influence embedded XenServer deals as well as those who fulfill them.
“With this new OEM element Citrix has once again set the standard in partner profitability with its Citrix Advisor Rewards program,” stated Scott Gorcester, President, Moose Logic, a leading Seattle-based IT services firm. “I am free to focus on being a trusted advisor to my customers without worrying about profitability. Citrix has once again proved to me and to the industry that it understands how to best leverage their partners to meet customer needs. The channel is clearly part of its DNA.”
Citrix has announced several OEM agreements in recent months to embed XenServer in servers from leading systems vendors such as HP. As a result of today’s announcement, the Citrix Advisor Rewards program now pays channel partners on sales of these products, effectively eliminating potential channel conflict and focusing the extensive expertise of Citrix Solution Advisors on delivering the best possible solutions to customers. With OEM products now included in the rewards program, systems manufacturers that embed Citrix technology can leverage an extensive pool of channel resources and expertise to address their customers’ ever changing needs.
“We continually work with our partners to build the most profitable partner program and the most skilled partner community,” stated Al Monserrat VP Channels, Strategy & Sales Operations for Citrix. “As a channel-centric company, we recognize the value our partners bring to a total solution, including the specification of hardware that includes embedded Citrix products.”
In March 2008, Citrix and HP announced the availability of the integrated server virtualization solutions Citrix XenServer HP Enterprise and HP Select Editions. The new products feature a unique and exclusive easy-to-use graphical management console and are seamlessly integrated with HP Insight Control management software that administers HP ProLiant and BladeSystem servers. With this new solution, customers are able to deploy and manage a virtualized environment and benefit from the ability to purchase an entire server virtualization solution from HP with the added benefit of interoperability and HP support.
“Customers want to implement virtualization with reduced risk, and HP understands that the channel is essential to meeting those requirements,” said Scott Farrand, vice president, Industry Standard Server Software, HP. “Citrix’s new channel program enables partners to offer a comprehensive virtualization solution that integrates the power of HP ProLiant servers with the rich functionality of the Citrix XenServer HP Select Edition from a single, reliable source.”
About Citrix
Citrix Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTXS) is the global leader and the most trusted name in application delivery infrastructure. More than 215,000 organizations worldwide rely on Citrix to deliver any application to users anywhere with the best performance, highest security and lowest cost. Citrix customers include 100 percent of the Fortune 100 companies and 99 percent of the Fortune Global 500, as well as hundreds of thousands of small businesses and prosumers. Citrix has approximately 8,000 partners in more than 100 countries. Annual revenue in 2007 was $1.4 billion.
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. » 7/1/2008 » Citrix Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTXS), the global leader in application delivery infrastructure, extended its popular Citrix Advisor Rewards program today to pay channel partners on sales of Citrix XenServer™ software that ships as an embedded feature in servers from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like HP. The program, originally introduced in 2004, pays Citrix® Solution Advisors for designing and delivering solutions based on Citrix application delivery products, even if a different channel partner ultimately fulfills the order. Extending the program to include embedded versions of XenServer eliminates any potential channel conflict with OEM partners and ensures strong incentives across the board by compensating partners that influence embedded XenServer deals as well as those who fulfill them.
“With this new OEM element Citrix has once again set the standard in partner profitability with its Citrix Advisor Rewards program,” stated Scott Gorcester, President, Moose Logic, a leading Seattle-based IT services firm. “I am free to focus on being a trusted advisor to my customers without worrying about profitability. Citrix has once again proved to me and to the industry that it understands how to best leverage their partners to meet customer needs. The channel is clearly part of its DNA.”
Citrix has announced several OEM agreements in recent months to embed XenServer in servers from leading systems vendors such as HP. As a result of today’s announcement, the Citrix Advisor Rewards program now pays channel partners on sales of these products, effectively eliminating potential channel conflict and focusing the extensive expertise of Citrix Solution Advisors on delivering the best possible solutions to customers. With OEM products now included in the rewards program, systems manufacturers that embed Citrix technology can leverage an extensive pool of channel resources and expertise to address their customers’ ever changing needs.
“We continually work with our partners to build the most profitable partner program and the most skilled partner community,” stated Al Monserrat VP Channels, Strategy & Sales Operations for Citrix. “As a channel-centric company, we recognize the value our partners bring to a total solution, including the specification of hardware that includes embedded Citrix products.”
In March 2008, Citrix and HP announced the availability of the integrated server virtualization solutions Citrix XenServer HP Enterprise and HP Select Editions. The new products feature a unique and exclusive easy-to-use graphical management console and are seamlessly integrated with HP Insight Control management software that administers HP ProLiant and BladeSystem servers. With this new solution, customers are able to deploy and manage a virtualized environment and benefit from the ability to purchase an entire server virtualization solution from HP with the added benefit of interoperability and HP support.
“Customers want to implement virtualization with reduced risk, and HP understands that the channel is essential to meeting those requirements,” said Scott Farrand, vice president, Industry Standard Server Software, HP. “Citrix’s new channel program enables partners to offer a comprehensive virtualization solution that integrates the power of HP ProLiant servers with the rich functionality of the Citrix XenServer HP Select Edition from a single, reliable source.”
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HP today announced new disk-based backup systems with data deduplication technology that increases disk utilization by up to 50 times(1) to deliver scalable solutions that reduce storage costs and protect business critical data.
Data deduplication technology eliminates redundant data from a disk storage device to lower storage space requirements. The technology enables customers to reduce floor space and lower energy consumption by decreasing storage capacity requirements. It also helps them minimize administrative overhead by retaining data on disk for longer periods of time.
HP provides two distinct methods of data deduplication to address the demands of customers of different sizes. For small and midsize (SMB) customers, HP has integrated this functionality into the HP StorageWorks D2D Backup Systems (D2D). For enterprise customers, HP offers deduplication with the HP StorageWorks Virtual Library Systems (VLS).
Forty-five percent(2) more affordable than similar systems, “dynamic” deduplication in the HP D2D 2500 and 4000 systems change the economics of data protection for SMBs. Easy to deploy and simple to manage, these solutions provide SMBs and businesses with branch sites the assurance that their data is protected and can be quickly recovered.
“Accelerated” deduplication in the HP VLS offers fast data backups. Enterprise customers can improve business productivity with market-leading(3) scalability and performance by easily adding disks and nodes as needed. These capabilities, coupled with reliable data recovery features, allow customers to create a data center environment that delivers 24/7 availability.
“Disk-based backup systems can enhance data protection for a business of any size. Integrating deduplication technologies allows customers to leverage up to 50 times more capacity to ensure their business has faster and reliable access to stored data,” said Dave Russell, vice president, Gartner. “Deduplication technology is poised to transform the backup and recovery marketplace.”
HP data deduplication technology for the VLS and D2D enables customers to automate and remotely manage the systems with low-bandwidth replication. This provides data center managers the ability to back up data remotely without manual intervention, thereby reducing staffing costs. Utilizing disk-based backup for remote locations reduces overhead by consolidating tape hardware into a single site.
“The ability to scale capacity and performance, coupled with affordability, provides customers of all sizes a capacity-efficient, disk-based backup system to meet their needs,” said Bob Wilson, vice president and general manager, Storage Platforms Division, HP StorageWorks. “HP continues to set new industry standards by investing in technology that delivers an ideal balance of price and performance for each customer segment.”
To provide data protection for micro and small businesses, HP also introduced the new HP StorageWorks RDX Removable Disk Backup Systems (RDX160 and RDX320). These disk backup solutions are easy to use and affordable, and they allow small businesses to store data off-site as part of their disaster recovery plan.
Store more for less
HP D2D Backup Systems emulate up to 16 LTO tape autoloaders or libraries and consolidate backup of up to 16 servers onto a single network-connected device.
Key benefits of D2D dynamic deduplication:
- Maximizes disk space via synchronous backup operations that deduplicate data as it is stored to the disk.
- Reduces the amount of disk and memory required to deduplicate data by leveraging proprietary technology created by HP Labs, the company’s central research and development arm.
- Improves productivity and eliminates the need for training with a fully functional graphical user interface that does not require complex command lines for configuration.
- Optimizes investment of primary backup system through compatibility with new versions of software and applications.
High performance, scalable protection
HP VLS emulates multiple tape libraries or drives for data centers to reliably back up large amounts of data with quick data restores in the event of a disaster.
Key benefits of VLS accelerated deduplication:
- Improves performance by deduplicating data after the backup has completed writing to the disk.
- Ensures scalability of performance and capacity by easily adding nodes, while providing a single backup location for data contained on multiple servers.
- Accelerates data restores by maintaining only the most recent copy of backup data while eliminating duplicate data from previous backups.
- Simplifies management with a user interface that automatically monitors itself, configures storage, load balances performance and conducts diagnostics.
More information about deduplication for HP D2D and VLS is available at www.hp.com/go/deduplication; more information on HP RDX Removable Disk Backup Systems is available at www.hp.com/go/RDX.
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HP (NYSE:HPQ) today introduced new mobile thin client hardware, extended software offerings and deeper industry alliances that strengthen the industry’s broadest portfolio of virtual business technology solutions.
The new HP 2533t Mobile Thin Client combines the best of HP’s industry-leading thin client and business notebook technologies to enhance data security and improve both ease of use and reliability. These professional innovations provide customers peace of mind to focus on business, while the company’s plans to expand its Remote Graphics Software technology will provide one of the richest media experiences available among client virtualization solutions.
In addition, HP announced its full portfolio of Citrix-Ready thin clients and blade client products is now available with Citrix XenDesktop™, as well as being certified by VMware Inc. for compatibility with its VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.
“Today’s news is the latest example of HP’s building momentum in the client virtualization market,” said Roberto Moctezuma, vice president and general manager, Desktop Solutions Organization, HP. “We’re offering businesses a one-stop shop to meet their virtualization needs with the most comprehensive portfolio of virtual client solutions, ease of management and the highest levels of IT security.”
HP’s broad remote client solutions portfolio of desktop virtualization offerings includes its industry-leading Thin Client lineup, Blade PCs and workstations, HP Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), HP streaming clients with HP Image Manager, remote deployment, management software, and services. HP Remote Client Solutions help business customers dramatically reduce security risks and management and support costs by centralizing computing hardware and sensitive data within the data center.
“IDC is witnessing an early ramp of desktop virtualization adoption, which we expect will accelerate over the next 12-18 months,” said Michael Rose, industry analyst, IDC. “As companies consider adopting the technology, they will need to ensure a reliable and optimal user experience over the entire network. HP addresses these needs through a combination of its own IP and strategic partnerships, which combine hardware and software with industry credibility that will attract businesses looking for assurance before investing in this technology.”
No-compromise mobility, from virtually anywhere
As the world’s No. 1 thin client and notebook manufacturer, HP has designed the HP 2533t Mobile Thin Client with an array of hardware and software that provide the mobility of a notebook and the enhanced security, improved ease of use and reliability delivered by thin clients.
As security is a continuous customer challenge, the HP 2533t provides enhanced access to virtual computing solutions, such as blade PCs or a virtual desktop infrastructure, and increased protection of corporate data and software applications by storing files on a secure, centralized server. No data resides on the actual mobile thin client, so companies are assured that data is not compromised in the event the client is lost or stolen.
To remedy the reliability risk of that comes with true mobility, the HP 2533t is similar to traditional desk-based thin clients in that it is a solid-state system with flash memory and no moving parts. This provides faster data access and cooler operation for overall improved reliability and product lifespan.
Inspired by the durability, precision and lightness of aircraft construction, the new mobile thin client also features the HP DuraCase design for higher reliability, lower ownership costs and extended product life. The HP DuraCase is an incredibly strong outer casing that protects the top and bottom of the product for use in rigorous mobile user environments.
A magnesium/aluminum display enclosure uses an inner magnesium shell bonded for a more solid construction and enhanced display impact-protection. In addition, HP DuraKeys and HP DuraFinish both help keep the thin client looking new, longer.
The HP 2533t weighs only three pounds and features a 12.1-inch diagonal widescreen LED display, adding a smaller and lighter option to the portfolio’s previously introduced 15.4-inch HP 6720t Mobile Thin Client. Integrated Wi-Fi certified WLAN provides access to the Internet, email and instant messaging while at work, home or any favorite hotspot,(1) along with support for 3G broadband wireless(2) via PC memory card slot for the ultimate secure, mobile computing(3) experience. The HP 2533t also offers three flexible battery configurations for lightest weight or all-day computing and a convenient docking system.
The new mobile thin client simplifies IT operations by allowing administrators to manage multiple client types simultaneously from a remote location with features such as HP ThinState Tools to configure software and Altiris Deployment Solution to easily distribute applications over the network with little or no interruption to users.
Additional features help the HP 2533t lessen an organization’s environmental impact. It includes power management features for more efficient performance and lower energy costs, as well as an HP Smart AC Adapter with built-in sensor to alert the notebook user of the power rating. It also includes the HP Illumi-Lite display, a highly efficient, mercury-free LED backlit display that reduces hazardous materials use and can extend battery life by up to 90 minutes.(4)
The HP 2533t Mobile Thin Client is available today in the United States, Latin America, Asia and Japan. Pricing and additional availability vary by region. Additional information is available at www.hp.com/go/thinclient.
Delivering full, rich multimedia experiences to large virtual desktop implementations
HP also is announcing plans to further invest in the advanced multimedia technology on which the HP Remote Graphics Software (RGS) was created. HP is working with virtualization software vendors to expand the technology to significantly enhance the rich multimedia experience available through thin clients or other remote devices.
Originally developed in HP Labs, RGS is already in broad use by customers spanning financial services, healthcare, education and research, engineering, and digital content creation. HP will be working with its key software virtualization vendors to develop additional solutions for improved video performance, interoperability and scalability of large virtual desktop implementations serving business PC users.
HP RGS supports a remote, yet collaborative work model that helps overcome the distance barriers that can impede global organizations and delivers to remote client environments rich, local desktop-like user experiences. With HP RGS, professionals can work together, from any physical location with Internet access, and make decisions in real-time with more secure access to multimedia content including flash animations, video, hardware accelerated 2D and 3D applications.
Rather than sending user data or graphics commands that grow with image complexity, the RGS software captures the desktop image of the remote or “virtual” system and transmits it over a standard network to a window on a local thin client using advanced image compression technology, specifically designed for text, digital imagery and high frame-rate video applications.
“We believe the combination of HP thin clients and RGS is the ideal choice for a rich virtual desktop experience, regardless of the chosen virtualization infrastructure, and we want to ensure customers can take advantage of this solution with whichever infrastructure best fits their business needs,” said Moctezuma.
More information about HP Remote Graphics Software is available at www.hp.com/go/rgs.
Industry-leading alliances extend offerings from the data center to the desktop
While HP’s thin clients have long been deployed in Citrix environments, the company’s full thin client, blade PC and workstation portfolio has been designated “Citrix Ready” to ensure a simple and reliable Citrix experience.
In addition, HP thin clients are certified for the new Citrix XenDesktop appliance program across the line, with the HP Compaq t5730 Thin Client delivering the “Desktop Appliance Plus” experience and verified Citrix-Ready for Citrix Password Manager™, Citrix XenApp™ (Citrix Presentation Server™ 4.0 & 4.5), Citrix XenDesktop and an embedded Desktop Receiver.
Citrix XenDesktop enables organizations to virtualize Windows® desktops in the data center and deliver them on-demand to office workers in any location. This provides a flexible and streamlined software architecture for users working from remote locations, ensuring high-speed application across virtual infrastructures.
HP’s industry-leading thin clients and blade PCs make deploying XenDesktop environments easier, more secure and affordable, allowing companies to deploy Citrix XenDesktop and Citrix XenApp solutions with confidence.
“With the availability of XenDesktop, Citrix uniquely delivers virtual desktops that dramatically reduce the cost of ownership for IT, while providing a superior user experience for knowledge workers,” said Raj Dhingra, vice president and general manager, Desktop Delivery Group, Citrix Systems. “We are excited to be demonstrating the results of our collaboration at Synergy 2008. The Citrix and HP relationship enables enterprises to quickly implement and manage a best-of-breed client virtualization solution from the data center to the desktop.”
HP also now provides support for Citrix XenServer as well as the HP Select and Enterprise Edition of Citrix XenServer on select HP ProLiant and HP BladeSystem platforms. Using HP StorageWorks arrays and HP ProLiant servers, Citrix customers can easily and reliably deploy new virtual machines and optimize their technology infrastructure.
Additionally, HP’s full portfolio of thin clients will be thoroughly tested and certified for the VMware Thin Client Certification Program, announced by the company today. With this certification, customers can be assured that HP thin clients will be easy to deploy, manage and reliably deliver the flexible, open platform and security of the VMware virtual desktop platform.
Today’s expansion of the HP virtualization portfolio also extends the recently introduced ProLiant iVirtualization joint venture with Citrix, VMware and Microsoft, which uses customers’ existing server management tools to integrate virtualization technology directly into a broad range of HP ProLiant and BladeSystem platforms. As such, when a server is powered on, it is automatically and immediately configured into a fully capable server virtualization environment. This enables companies to adopt server virtualization with greater speed and simplicity.
More information about HP’s client virtualization solutions is available at www.hp.com/go/rcs. More information about HP’s server virtualization solutions is available at www.hp.com/go/proliantvirtualization.
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