Virtual Desktop Tools, Virtual Server Infrastructure
prnewswire | July 21, 2023
SolidRun, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance System on Module (SOM) solutions, Single Board Computers (SBC) and network edge solutions, today announced the expansion of its SolidWAN line of software-defined network appliances with the introduction of the SolidWAN CN9131. Building on the success of the previously launched SolidWAN system-level solutions for software-defined wide area networks and network security applications, the SolidWAN CN9131 sets a new standard for small form factor SD-WAN hardware solutions.
"As businesses worldwide embrace the transformative power of software-defined networking, the need for adaptable and cost-effective network hardware becomes increasingly crucial," said Dr. Atai Ziv, CEO at SolidRun. "SolidRun understands that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't meet the diverse requirements of connecting today's businesses and distributed workforce. That's why we've developed our SolidWAN line of SD-WAN appliances. By making software-defined solutions more affordable and easily deployable across home offices, branch offices, data centers, and beyond, we empower businesses to build agile and scalable networks that drive efficiency, security, and seamless connectivity."
SD-WAN technology revolutionizes traditional networking by providing enhanced performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. With their vast software-defined capabilities, SolidRun's SolidWAN solutions simplify network management, increase network agility, and improve application performance across multiple locations. These solutions are particularly crucial for businesses with distributed branch offices, enabling them to centralize control, optimize bandwidth usage, and secure their networks effectively.
SolidWAN network hardware solutions are optimized for software-defined networking applications and provide direct connectivity of network ports to the CPU. This direct connection allows all network traffic to be managed by software, which not only guarantees the highest security and best possible quality of service, but also makes upgrading network hardware, deploying updates and establishing new network services fast and easy.
The embedded Marvell OCTEON CN9131 SoC is designed to address the specific networking requirements of small to medium businesses (SMBs). With its powerful quad-core performance and 12 high-speed SERDES lanes, the SoC delivers exceptional processing power for network data management and security. It features a configurable packet processor, allowing for flexible parsing and classification of network traffic, supports I/O virtualization, enabling efficient resource allocation, and includes QoS buffer management and a virtual security engine and packet processor for enhanced security measures. Each unit features 8GB of eMMC storage, 4GB DDR4 RAM and 8MB SPI NOR Flash memory.
"With its powerful quad-core performance, versatile packet processor, and robust embedded security features, the CN9131 was engineered to tackle complex networking challenges with ease," said Rabeeh Khoury, CTO at SolidRun. "By harnessing the capabilities of the CN9131, SolidRun's SolidWAN CN9131 SD-WAN appliance enables businesses to optimize their network performance, enhance security, and drive operational efficiency. Like Marvell, SolidRun is committed to creating powerful solutions that shape the future of network management and empower organizations to thrive in today's interconnected world."
"With its best-in-class performance/Watt and vast IO flexibility, the CN913x family of SoCs is the ideal choice for small form factor SD-WAN products like SolidRun's SolidWAN CN9131 appliance," said Jeffrey Ho, director of product marketing, Marvell Semiconductor.
The SolidWAN CN9131 offers a variety of connectivity options to meet diverse networking needs, including two SFP+ 10GbE ports, which provide high-speed connectivity for data transmission and four 1000BASE-T gigabit Ethernet ports, ideal for establishing fast data connections. For wireless connectivity, the device comes equipped with an mPCIe WiFi AP module, allowing wireless access point functionality. It also includes an M.2 SIM holder, enabling LTE connectivity for mobile networks. To accommodate additional storage and peripherals, the device offers a uSD slot, 2 USB 3.0 ports and two M.2 slots for internal storage (1 Key M and 1 Key B).
As with many SolidRun network hardware solutions, the SolidWAN family of products offers SKUs that support a wide range of deployment environments and can be pre-configured for commercial applications where environmental conditions range between 0°C to 40°C, or for more extreme industrial applications where conditions range between -20°C to 65°C. All configurations feature a fanless design with a heat-shedding, finned aluminum enclosure.
SolidWAN products are compatible with Linux-based software applications, including DPDK, which provides data plane libraries and network interface controller polling-mode drivers for offloading TCP packet processing from the operating system kernel to processes running in user space. SolidRun has also partnered with several software developers to offer full SD-WAN and security service software to customers.
About SolidRun
SolidRun is a global leading developer of embedded systems and network solutions, focused on a wide range of energy-efficient, powerful, and flexible products. Our innovative compact embedded solutions are based on ARM and x86 architecture and offer a variety of platforms including SOMs (System-on-Module), SBCs (Single Board Computer) and industrial mini-PCs.
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Virtual Desktop Strategies, Virtual Server Management
businesswire | August 22, 2023
Softchoice, a software-focused IT solutions provider in Canada and North America, has announced the addition of Cloud Cost Optimization, powered by VMware Aria Cost, to its managed services portfolio. Part of VMware Cross-Cloud managed services, Cloud Cost Optimization helps customers realize cloud value faster with FinOps, an operational model that brings accountability and clarity to the variable spend model of the cloud.
VMware Cross-Cloud managed services is a set of prescriptive offerings for public, private, sovereign and hybrid clouds, cloud-native app delivery, designed to optimize cloud costs and help customers manage multi-cloud operational governance, all built on a common VMware foundation. The services enable customers to rely on expert, specialized managed services partners to drive cost efficiency and interoperability between clouds, data centers, and applications.
As a longstanding and reputable VMware partner, Softchoice offers customers faster time-to-value, flexibility to scale up or down as required, along with lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and greater security, each of which enables organizations to invest in cloud growth while reducing complexity and risk at every step.
“Modern apps are fueling the next wave of enterprise innovation and driving multi-cloud adoption. Yet, implementing multi-cloud can be complex and costly if not handled properly, with some 76% of multi-cloud organizations report needing to improve control over their cloud costs1,” said Abhay Kumar, VP for Hyperscalers and Technology Partners, VMware. “With their new Cloud Cost Optimization service, Softchoice can help our mutual customers in their aims to simplify financial management, streamline operations, and improve cross-organizational collaboration across their multi-cloud environment.”
Delivered as a managed subscription-based service, Softchoice’s Cloud Cost Optimization is designed to help customers maximize the value of every dollar spent in the cloud by adopting FinOps. In line with VMware’s aim to bring clarity to cloud chaos through a cloud-smart approach, Softchoice’s service helps organizations maximize the value from their multi-cloud estates and applications.
Chris Swadish, Hybrid Cloud Business Leader at Softchoice, said, “We are excited to offer our customers this Cross-Cloud managed service and support VMware’s vision of helping customers across the world become cloud-smart in their multi-cloud environments. As cloud adoption and innovation becomes a necessity, organizations need a better handle on their costs and risks. Cloud Cost Optimization helps customers both begin and correct their cloud journeys through a systematic, insight-led process designed to offer results at scale. Our work with The FinOps Foundation, technical proficiency, team of experts, and close partnership with VMware means that we can offer customers a more accelerated path to cloud efficiency, while aiming to reduce risk and helping them focus on innovation and growth across all cloud environments.”
Softchoice has earned the VMware Managed Services Specialization to attain the VMware Cross-Cloud Managed Service Provider badge and the company’s Cloud Cost Optimization service is a VMware Validated Service Offering (VSO). This provides public confirmation that partner solutions are functionally and architecturally complete. Additionally, Softchoice recently completed the VMware Managed Services Advanced Specialization Audit, showcasing how the company is able to support customers with advanced transformation requirements.
About Softchoice
Softchoice Corporation (TSX: SFTC) is a software-focused IT solutions provider that equips organizations to be agile and innovative, and for their people to be engaged, connected and creative at work. That means moving them to the cloud, helping them build the workplace of tomorrow, and enabling them to make smarter decisions about their technology portfolio.
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Virtual Desktop Tools, Desktop
PR Newswire | July 05, 2023
Other World Computing® The leading end-to-end ecosystem solution provider of computer hardware, accessories, and software for both consumers and professionals – today announced the release of MacDrive 11 with full APFS support, making it the most complete single solution for seamlessly accessing Mac-formatted drives and media on a Windows PC. Along with complete access, MacDrive 11 performs more than 40% faster than other available solutions – all while protecting your data from failure.
For over 25 years, MacDrive has been the industry standard for reading, writing and managing HFS+ Mac disks in Windows. MacDrive 11 builds on this strong tradition by adding unmatched support for APFS disks with full read and write access, and protections not available in any other solution. MacDrive is the most robust, most advanced utility enabling users to share drives between Macs and PCs. MacDrive 11 comes in two variations; Standard to access almost any APFS or HFS+ formatted Mac drive, and Pro with advanced disk support for OWC's SoftRAID and Apple RAID 0/1 volumes.
MacDrive 11 APFS Functionality Highlights:
Read and write: MacDrive 11 is the only solution that provides full read-and-write support for APFS volumes–even if the volume has duplicated files or has been backed up by Time Machine.
Crash Protection: Unlike other solutions, if an APFS disk is unexpectedly unplugged, existing files and data are safe, and won't be corrupted.
Multi-volume disks: APFS allows users to create multiple volumes in a single partition and share free space between volumes. Only MacDrive lets user effortlessly switch between volumes to access all of their data.
Formatting: Don't have a Mac, but want to share files with someone that does? MacDrive enables the creation APFS and HFS+ volumes right on a PC.
Snapshots: When backed up with Time Machine, macOS creates "snapshots" on APFS volumes. MacDrive provides access to all snapshots, letting users restore deleted or edited files from previous states, even when a Time Machine backup isn't available.
Duplicated files: In macOS, APFS files can be instantly duplicated, without consuming additional disk space. Only MacDrive provides full read-write access to duplicated files on APFS volumes.
Make Windows Smarter
Once installed, MacDrive 11 makes Windows "Mac aware" by enabling PCs to read and write Mac disks just like PC disks. There is nothing to launch or learn; simply connect a Mac disk and access almost any hard drives, SSDs (solid state drives), CDs, DVDs, floppies, and more.
Additional MacDrive 11 Features:
Full circle compatibility: Streamline editing and collaboration processes by sharing Mac disks with Windows users as well as formatting Mac disks direct from a PC for true cross-platform workflows.
Repair Mac disks: MacDrive's Disk Repair feature will automatically detect issues with Mac disks and will fix common errors on disks (HFS+ only).
Time Machine backups: Browse through Time Machine backups as well as copy those files and folders to a Windows PC.
Native or virtual: Works with Apple's Boot Camp utility and virtualization software like VMware Fusion or Parallels.
File defragmentation: Improve disk performance with automatic file defragmentation and optimization (HFS+ only).
Read-only option: "Read Only" mode is perfect for forensic specialists and law enforcement to prevent changes to disks.
About Other World Computing (OWC)
Other World Computing (OWC), founded in 1988, provides Mac and PC enthusiasts with reliable solutions for computer hardware, accessories, and software at both the consumer and professional levels. In opposition to our disposable world, OWC's products are intended to serve as the life-extending foundation of personal and/or professional digital life, from capture to completion, enabling users to maximize their technology investments. The company has extended its quality, long-term solutions for creative professionals to serving enterprises, small businesses, and education administration. OWC's award-winning team of technologists, engineers, creatives, and professionals have a passion for improving technology and are dedicated to bringing the best solutions that last and true leadership in doing so sustainably for the benefit of all.
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Virtual Desktop Strategies, Virtual Server Management
Business Wire | August 28, 2023
VMware Explore 2023 — Data and intelligence play a key role in enabling automation and implementing a successful hybrid work strategy, but a holistic approach is required to maximize its advantages. Today, VMware announces modern AI integrations to the Anywhere Workspace platform, part of the VMware Cross-Cloud services portfolio, that automatically optimize employee experience, drive new vulnerability management use cases, and simplify application lifecycle management. VMware Anywhere Workspace is the only hybrid work platform that integrates digital employee experience (DEX), virtual desktop infrastructure and apps (VDI and DaaS), unified endpoint management (UEM) and security to enable a seamless and secure workspace on any device or location.
“Last year, we announced our Autonomous Workspace vision as a path forward for organizations to navigate the challenges brought on by hybrid work,” said Shankar Iyer, senior vice president and general manager, End-User Computing, VMware. “We are thrilled to unveil new advancements for our customers that expand data sources and insights, integrate with technology partners for improved security, and unify app delivery strategy across all virtual desktops and apps. These innovations continue to progress our vision of providing the next evolution of digital workspaces.”
Integrated AI-Driven Platform Scales Experience Management
VMware continues to leverage data, intelligence, and automation to improve the employee and IT experience by introducing new Insights and Playbooks based on greatly expanded data and machine learning algorithms that enhance DEX remediation capabilities. These updates broaden access to data, help strengthen VMware Insights, and allow for remediation of more issues.
VMware will now enable delivery of new app performance scores, in addition to existing mobile device, desktop, and virtual environment experience scores. If a SaaS app service goes down, IT is proactively alerted and employees are automatically notified. This allows IT to quickly resolve the outage without dealing with inbound support tickets and employees don't waste time trying to access unavailable services.
But simply providing IT with more data is not enough to empower them to work smarter. VMware’s AI-driven Insights feature now provides anomaly detection that informs IT of potential experience issues for frontline devices and VDI environments, in addition to mobile and desktop environments. Today’s announcement of new Playbooks enables IT to create step-by-step remediation workflows to resolve incidents more efficiently and use success rate analytics to automate the resolution process and streamline execution over time.
“Workspace ONE Intelligence has been a game changer for us when it comes to automating life cycle management inside UEM. We have been utilizing it for automatically tagging devices and assigning them into smart groups. We have also used several dashboard templates for monitoring our security stance and helping remediate high-risk security threats,” said George March, manager of digital workspace and development, Information Technology, USA Health. “Next on our roadmap is implementing the ITSM connector, and with the addition of remediation playbooks, we are so excited about the way it will streamline our help desk support teams workflows.”
Unique Partner Integration Powers New Security and Manageability Use Cases
Ensuring end-to-end manageability and security for today’s distributed workforce is critical and requires a holistic approach to vulnerability assessment, prioritization, remediation, out-of-band support, and reporting. Collaboration with a best-of-breed partner ecosystem that offers speed, breadth, and depth in vulnerability management is necessary to protect against sophisticated attack vectors. VMware is committed to innovating together with our technology partners to provide customers with more secure and seamless hybrid experiences.
Today, VMware continues this mission by announcing an expanded partnership with Intel through a one-of-a-kind, cloud-native integration of Workspace ONE with Intel vPro®. This chip-to-cloud integration makes it easier to secure and remotely manage work devices entirely from the cloud, with no additional on-premises infrastructure and management software needed. Through line of sight and out-of-band management of vPro powered devices, IT teams can have below-the-OS vulnerability insights, and visibility to reduce the impact of potential exploits quickly and efficiently. Using Workspace ONE, customers can have centralized visibility into Intel vPro-powered PCs and accelerate patch remediation cycles for devices located outside of office perimeters, even if the devices are sleeping or powered off. This improves security and compliance by accomplishing higher patch saturation with fewer remediation steps and reduces potential disruption to employee productivity.
Modern App Management Simplifies Virtual Environments
Managing and delivering apps across VDI, DaaS, and published app environments has become increasingly complex and inefficient due to silos of legacy tools used. VMware recently introduced Apps on Demand, powered by VMware App Volumes, to unify app management and intelligently deploy apps to published app hosts or non-persistent desktop environments, all based on real-time app usage.
Today, VMware announces additional expansion of App Volumes support to deliver apps on demand to persistent virtual desktops. Now in beta availability, customers with persistent VMware Horizon environments will be able to use App Volumes to capture their apps once and deliver to many persistent virtual desktops. This automates the app delivery process with up to 99% compatibility and reduces management time and costs for any desktop or published app environment. VMware App Volumes is the only solution to help organizations deliver and manage apps across VMware Horizon, Citrix, Microsoft, and Amazon virtual desktop and app deployments as part of VMware’s Apps Everywhere vision.
Boeing: A ‘Hybrid Workforce Innovator’
The Boeing Company (Boeing) has used VMware Workspace ONE across the United States and in more than 65 countries to support its global workforce of 140,000 employees who develop, manufacture and service commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for its customers. At VMware Explore 2023 Las Vegas, they were named ‘Hybrid Workforce Innovator’ as part of the 2023 VMware Customer Achievement Awards for the Americas for enabling its workforce to work from anywhere in the world, improving the user experience while reinforcing and advancing security for devices and applications.
“VMware Anywhere Workspace helps us manage and protect end points, provide a common platform to access apps and tools, as well as helping facilitate a digital experience for our employees,” said Kristina Ross, Boeing Workplace Solutions director for Research & Technology. “Workspace ONE helped streamline our transition from traditional PC lifecycle management to Windows 10 modern management which was enabled by our shift to a SaaS-based solution for the company. Today, we have a unified view to oversee all endpoint requirements, and the adoption of SaaS enhanced our scalability and ability to shift focus from infrastructure to business facing solutions.”
About VMware
VMware is a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps, enabling digital innovation with enterprise control. As a trusted foundation to accelerate innovation, VMware software gives businesses the flexibility and choice they need to build the future. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to building a better future through the company’s 2030 Agenda.
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