IBM Systems and Technology

IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure Realize the potential of virtual desktops with greater choice and control

2 IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure

Highlights●● ● ●Simplify desktop administration, support and management●● ● ●Enhance security and compliance management●● ● ●Help improve availability and reliability ●● ● ●Help users to work virtually anytime, anywhere more quickly

and easily regardless of location or device

The changing workplaceThe rules of the workplace are changing. Gone are the days when work was a central place where employees converged. Today, employees expect the workplace to come with them wherever they go and on whatever device they use.

This anytime, anywhere “bring-your-own-device” (BYOD) mindset poses a dilemma for organizations. On the one hand, they recognize the importance of providing f lexibility, choice and self-service to employees. Both the organization and the employee stand to gain significant benefits. Not only can employees respond faster to customer demands, but they can more easily create, share and execute innovative ideas that move the organization forward.

On the other hand, expanding user mobility can also bring significant challenges:

●● ● Complexity and cost: More devices mean more systems to coor-dinate, more applications to support and more connections to be maintained.

●● ● Availability and business continuity: Organizations must be able to quickly recover and retrieve data from devices that are often more vulnerable to theft, failure and disasters.

●● ● Security and compliance: Organizations now need to better maintain security and compliance of data and intellectual property with corporate, regulatory and governmental rules over a greatly expanded range of network connections, and on smart devices owned by individual workers with a mix of personal and enterprise data.

“

To reconcile these challenges, many organizations are turning to a virtual desktop infrastructure to give employees more f lexi-ble, secure and productive ways to work. IBM SmartCloud™ Desktop Infrastructure offers robust virtual desktop solutions to help increase business f lexibility and staff productivity while reducing IT complexity and simplifying security and compliance.

Ultimately, everyone in the organization, both end users and IT staff, are working toward the same goal: keeping pace with mar-ket demands in a fiercely competitive world. IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure helps you embrace the virtual desktop strategically—from a business as well as an IT perspective.

There is a growing expectation on the part of businesses that employees will be available during nonwork hours, and that location should not be a barrier to communication. Furthermore, users will no longer have a primary device for corporate collaboration, but will rely on a fleet of self- and business-provided devices with the expectation of a largely uniform user experience.”1

—Gartner’s Top Predictions for IT Organizations and Users, “2012 and Beyond: Control Slips Away,” November 2011.

IBM Systems and Technology 3

Transforming the workplace with virtual desktopAlthough virtual desktop solutions have generated considerable attention in the past, they are now firmly on the technology roadmap for many organizations. This is particularly true for industries that are under regulatory pressure to safeguard confidential data, and in companies that have a high proportion of mobile and remote workers.

One of the key drivers for the interest in virtual desktop solu-tions is the ability to reconcile the need for f lexibility and choice on behalf of the employee with the need for security and control on behalf of IT and the organization. A BYOD policy may be both inevitable and necessary, but there must also be a corresponding shift in technology infrastructure. For many organizations, virtual desktop is the answer.

Virtual desktops let IT organizations manage multiple desktops within a virtual machine running on a central server rather than on a one-to-one basis. Freed from a specific machine, employees can access their desktop anywhere, anytime based on their needs. IT also gains tremendous f lexibility and efficiency. With central-ized management, IT can more quickly and cost effectively deploy, refresh and support desktops while keeping tighter control of security and compliance.

Choosing the right approach What is the best approach to a virtual desktop? The one that gives you the f lexibility to support a broad range of users and user needs—from casual users with light tasks and transactions to power users with high performance applications. As the explo-sion in mobility continues, users will require more consistent, security-rich access to files and applications from a variety of user devices, including tablets, thin clients, existing desktops, laptops and smartphones. While there are many different

Best practices and servicesSolution offerings

IBM Virtual Desktop forSmart Business with VERDE

System x, BladeCenterand PureFlex System

Assessment and Planning

Implement

Operate and Manage

Design

IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure offers integrated and tested solutions with more flexibility to choose what you need.

approaches, layers and deployment environments for virtual desktops, there is no “one size fits all.” The specific require-ments of your IT environment and user will determine what you need and where you start.

IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure offers robust virtual desktop solutions, infrastructure and services designed to reduce the barriers of virtual desktop technology adoption by providing extensive choice. Based on a reference architecture approach, SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure supports a wide range of hardware, software and hypervisor platforms from multiple vendors to provide more f lexibility to choose what you need.

With a high-quality, f lexible infrastructure, IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure can provide more cost-effective and manageable virtual desktop capabilities for a wide range of industries. For example:

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In the healthcare industry, staff are constantly on the move but need fast, security-rich access to patients’ electronic medical records that are in compliance with data privacy regulations. By

combining single sign-on capabilities with a virtual desktop infrastructure, healthcare staff can access multiple systems and applications to obtain medical records or images with a single, more secure sign-on.

In the education industry, a virtual desktop infra-structure can help schools to extend the lifecycle of existing PCs while also allowing the schools to adopt new technology. Students can receive the

same quality of education, regardless of the availability of hard-ware, device or location. At the same time, IT staff can reduce the time, cost and complexity associated with maintenance, upgrades, provisioning, reimaging and repairing the school’s technology assets.

For the public sector, local, state and federal agencies not only need to extend support to an ever-increasing collection of personal devices, but they must also do so under stringent security

measures. A virtual desktop can give personnel the anytime, anywhere access they need to maintain productivity, and can provide the centralized security and control necessary to help maintain extreme data confidentiality. Agencies can also expedite provisioning and upgrades to multiple devices at a sustainable level of cost and effort.

Delivering tangible results faster Designed in close cooperation with leading vendors, including Citrix, VMware and Virtual Bridges, SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure solutions are fully tested across applications, soft-ware, hardware and services to help streamline IT administration and take the guesswork out of transitioning to a virtual desktop.

Our strong ecosystem of partners and robust, open-reference approach provide a range of time-tested virtual desktop solutions for multiple environments.

●● ● IBM Virtual Desktop for Smart Business software from IBM and Virtual Bridges provides an end-to-end desktop management solution with more f lexible and efficient operat-ing modes. The solution includes virtual desktop infrastruc-ture (VDI), integrated off line VDI for disconnected and mobile use, and remote branch support. The solution can also provide more f lexibility and choice by supporting virtual Windows desktops (Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows 7 platforms); Linux desktops (including Ubuntu, Red Hat and Novell platforms); and a variety of storage, peripherals and remote display protocols.

●● ● A market leader in virtual desktop technology, Citrix can help transform Windows desktops, applications and data into a cloud-like service that is accessible on virtually any device, anywhere. Citrix offers tailored solutions for organizations—from the affordable, all-in-one VDI-in-a-Box for simple IT organizations to the enterprise-complete XenDesktop, which is a robust virtual desktop solution for almost every user and features multiple delivery models optimized for f lexibility and cost efficiency. Both solutions deliver a rich high-definition user experience across any network using Citrix HDX technologies.

5IBM Systems and Technology

●● ● VMware View helps simplify desktop and application manage-ment while enhancing security and control. Delivering a per-sonalized high-fidelity experience for end-users across sessions and devices, VMware View enables higher availability and agility of desktop services and can help reduce the total cost of desktop ownership. End-users can enjoy new levels of productivity and the freedom to access desktops from more devices and locations while giving IT greater policy control.

In addition, IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure enables easy integration with optional security and endpoint manage-ment technologies, including:

●● ● IBM Security Access Manager for Enterprise Single Sign-On, which can offer streamlined user access with automated sign-on and sign-off plus a single password for all applications that can reduce help desk costs, improve productivity and strengthen security for virtualized desktops.

●● ● IBM Tivoli® Endpoint Manager—built on BigFix® technology—combines endpoint and security management into a single solution that enables your team to see and manage physical and virtual endpoints, such as servers, desktops, roaming laptops, and specialized equipment such as point-of-sale devices, ATMs and self-service kiosks.

Powered by IBM hardwareIndustry recognized for quality, reliability and innovation, IBM System x® servers and IBM PureFlex™ System, along with robust IBM storage systems, offer powerful building blocks for IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure. A broad portfolio of f lexible configurations offer enhanced memory, high-speed I/O and industry-leading availability and reliability features—a

combination designed to reduce operating costs, simplify man-agement and keep your virtualized desktop infrastructure up and running.

System x serversSystem x offerings include industry-recognized rack servers with the latest Intel Xeon processor technology, advanced memory designs and solid-state storage that can deliver up to 40 percent more performance for virtualized workloads.2

●● ● The IBM System x3650 M3 offers an energy-efficient design that supports more cores, memory and data capacity in a scalable 2U package that is easy to service and manage.

●● ● With outstanding uptime, performance and I/O f lexibility for cost efficiency and rock-solid reliability, the IBM System x3650 M4 server provides an energy-smart, more affordable and easier-to-use rack solution with a pay-as-you-grow design to help reduce costs and manage risks.

Blade serversIn blade environments, the IBM BladeCenter® platform deliv-ers an open platform that can simplify management, networking and complexity, with enhanced energy efficiency to help reduce costs and power consumption.

●● ● Versatile and easier to use, the IBM BladeCenter HS22 blade server provides f lexible options to support a broad range of workloads, including virtualization and enterprise applications.

●● ● Optimized for performance and highly scalable I/O, the com-bination of integrated 10 GbE Virtual Fabric, 16 memory slots and the latest Intel Xeon processor technology makes the two-socket IBM BladeCenter HS23 blade server ideal for virtualization.

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IBM PureFlex SystemIntegrated by design and purpose built for the virtual desktop environment, the PureFlex System combines compute, storage, networking, virtualization and management into a single infra-structure system that is expert at sensing and anticipating resource needs to optimize your infrastructure. Multiple config-urations include:

●● ● Express—The most affordable PureFlex System entry point and designed for small and medium businesses

●● ● Standard—Optimized for application servers with supporting storage and networking and is designed to support key vendor solutions

●● ● Enterprise—Optimized for scalable cloud deployments and has built-in redundancy for more reliable and resilient operation to support critical applications and cloud services

StorageAs a virtualized storage system providing both block and file volumes, IBM Storwize® V7000 Unified complements virtual desktop environments. The system offers robust enterprise-class storage capabilities including thin provisioning, automated tier-ing, internal and external virtualization, clustering, replication, multiprotocol support, and a next-generation graphical user

interface. The Storwize V7000 Unified is f lexible enough to support entry virtual desktop environments, but can also be scaled to support enterprise virtual desktop environments.

Getting startedTransitioning to a virtualized environment from traditional desk-tops can be a time-consuming effort, often requiring specialized skills that are not readily available in house. Implementations must be carefully managed to support a wide variety of users, applications and complementary software to help provide the security and management functions necessary to succeed.

Using time-tested methodologies, proprietary tools and exten-sive expertise developed through real-world client implementa-tions, IBM SmartCloud Desktop Services can accelerate your transition to a less complex, virtualized desktop environment. Robust services—including assessment and planning, design and implementation, as well as operation and management—and a phased delivery approach help speed your return on invest-ment and reduce the risk of business disruption. Through these services, a broader range of end users, from power users to disconnected users, can have faster, more security-rich access to resources, helping to improve their productivity and increasing business f lexibility.

7IBM Systems and Technology

IBM SmartCloud Desktop Services offers an end-to-end approach for SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure implementation.

IBM SmartCloud Desktop InfrastructureBest Practices and Services

PlanningWorkshop

Proof ofConcept

Business needs

User requirements

Technical requirements

Possible scenarios

TCO (high level)

Data gathering andanalysis

Findings

High level solutiondesign

Solution interfaces

Labor and costestimates

Project Management

Detailed solution design

Set up of pre-production

Application testing

Verification of time andcost estimate

Order Hardware andsoftware

Project Management

Set up production

Application testing

Piloting

Changes due to piloting

Rollout

Handing over of solution

Project Management

Adjustments of thesystem environment

Administration

Support

Cloud services

Assessment

Design

Implement

& Planning

Operate

M anage

Develop PreliminaryBusiness Case

Create Analysis andStrategy Document

Create a DesignDocument

Implementthe Solution

Provide OngoingServices

Why IBM?IBM has been a leader in large-scale virtualization for four decades, building strong intellectual capital and experience as a trusted adviser to more than 4,000 companies and an extensive network of virtualization partners. With IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure, IBM brings:

●● ● Choice. Rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure is based on a reference architecture approach, and supports a wide range of hardware, software and hypervisor platforms from multiple vendors to provide more f lexibility to choose what you need.

●● ● Reliability. A broad portfolio of System x, BladeCenter and PureFlex configurations offer industry-leading availability and reliability features to help keep your virtualized desktop up and running.

●● ● Expertise. IBM implementation services use time-tested methodologies and tools developed through real-world client implementations to help you select a better delivery model for your business and reduce the potential for business disruptions.

Please Recycle

For more informationTo learn more about IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure, visit: ibm.com/systems/x/solutions/desktopvirtualization/index.html or contact your IBM marketing representative or IBM Business Partner.

Additionally, IBM Global Financing can help you acquire the IT solutions that your business needs in the most cost-effective and strategic way possible. We’ll partner with credit-qualified clients to customize an IT financing solution to suit your business goals, enable effective cash management, and improve your total cost of ownership. IBM Global Financing is your smartest choice to fund critical IT investments and propel your business forward. For more information, visit: ibm.com/financing

© Copyright IBM Corporation 2012

IBM Systems and Technology Group Route 100 Somers, New York 10589

Produced in the United States of America June 2012

IBM, the IBM logo, ibm.com , BladeCenter, BigFix, PureFlex, IBM SmartCloud, System x, and Tivoli are trademarks of International Business Machines Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Other product and service names might be trademarks of IBM or other companies. A current list of IBM trademarks is available on the web at ibm.com/legal/copytrade.shtml

Citrix is a trademark of Citrix Systems, Inc.

Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

Linux, Ubuntu, Red Hat, SUSE and Novell are trademarks or registered trademarks of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries, or both.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows XP and Microsoft Windows 7 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.

This document is current as of the initial date of publication and may be changed by IBM at any time. Not all offerings are available in every country in which IBM operates.

The performance data discussed herein is presented as derived under specific operating conditions. Actual results may vary. It is the user’s responsibility to evaluate and verify the operation of any other products or programs with IBM products and programs. THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ANY WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF NON-INFRINGEMENT. IBM products are warranted according to the terms and conditions of the agreements under which they are provided.

Actual available storage capacity may be reported for both uncompressed and compressed data and will vary and may be less than stated.

1 “Gartner’s Top Predictions for IT Organizations and Users, 2012 and Beyond: Control Slips Away,” November 2011.

2 Based on IBM experience with past customer engagements. Individual client results vary.

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