PC Computing from a Secure Centralised Location
PC Blades - ClearCube
The value of any PC Blade solution is based on a simple but powerful concept: Centralise all PC computing assets into PC Blades at a single, secured location, with end users connected to these blades through small devices called User Ports. The result? Dramatic improvements in the ease, efficiency and cost effectiveness of managing the entire PC infrastructure.
The Problem
The traditional desktop computer was originally designed for stand-alone use and later retrofitted to function in a networked environment. This solution is severely limited in terms of manageability, reliability and security. As a result, expensive IT support personnel are required to maintain an inherently inefficient environment.
The Solution
ClearCube provides a better way to manage and control computing environments. The ClearCube system delivers dedicated, Intel-based computing power to the user's desktop from a centralised, rack-mounted environment. This unique solution dramatically increases manageability and security while providing mission-critical reliability and lower operating costs.
ClearCube takes the computer off the user's desk
ClearCube shrinks the computer into a "PC Blade" form-factor, centralises it in a secure location, and remotely switches and manages users between PC Blades from anywhere in the world. This approach returns control of the desktop to the IT manager without sacrificing the flexibility and performance that users expect from a powerful Intel Pentium 4 computer.
The ClearCube Advantage:
- High Availability: 99.9% (vs. 96% for box PC)
With ClearCube, failed PC Blades can be hot-swapped remotely so IT can deliver 99.9% uptime and 10 minute return-to-service. This removes 4-hour response times and reduces IT trips to the user's desk.
- Better Manageability: 10x over box PC
ClearCube enables IT to deploy, manage and maintain desktop computing resources centrally, while giving users the power and flexibility of an Intel PC. Centralisation translates directly into: fewer trips to the desktop, far more efficient moves/adds/changes, rapid upgrades and installations, as well as significantly more manageable migrations.
- Tight Security and Control: ClearCube exclusive
ClearCube removes the PC from the work environment making the CPU, hard disk and memory inaccessible to users. Mass storage devices can also be controlled, ensuring that proprietary data cannot be downloaded and viruses/incompatible software cannot be introduced into the system via floppy or CD drives.
- Improved Work Environment: 10x smaller footprint
ClearCube removes the bulky, noisy and heat generating box PC and replaces it with a small, silent C/Port which has no moving parts to generate heat. This form factor vastly improves densely populated environments like call centres, trading floors, teller areas, patient rooms and many office settings.
- Lower Operating Cost: At least 40% lower than box PC
Gartner Group estimates that acquisition price accounts for only 20-25% of the annualised cost of desktop computing. The remaining 75-80% is attributed to issues such as technical support labour, maintenance, training, help desk, administration, security, licensing, move/add/change and asset management. The ClearCube solution reduces operating costs by at least 40% (Source: IDC, US Air Force) across each of the above hard cost areas.
