IBM stayed in mainframe business when all the usual sources were saying that the desktop PC would render mainframe computing extinct.  Today, the IBM mainframe, really the only choice for mainframe computing, drives massive service and software revenues and profits for IBM. Pundits said it would be dead years ago but it remains one of IBM’s most profitable lines of business.

Dell is now the only viable corporate PC choice in the market. Of course, companies will continue to have choices but when a large or medium size enterprise looks to buy a PC, they look beyond the box itself for things like service and support, peripherals, and into the data center for servers, storage, networking, and finally for services.  By staying in the PC business, Dell will reap the same benefits as the IBM mainframe business – and probably more.

Dell will have a massive base to sell cloud storage services.

I may be a contrarian here, but I believed in the mainframe and I also firmly feel that by staying with the desktop, in all its various permutations, Dell will dominate.

Read Devon IT’s technical blog “Thin Tank” at http://www.devonit.com/blog and follow Devon IT on Twitter @DevonIT and @jmakoid.

Users download VDI Blaster^TM to old PCs via a USB key or a network install. VDI Blaster^TM deploys Devon IT’s thin client operating system, Devon Terminal Operating System (DeTOS^TM), and  Devon IT’s thin client management software, ThinManage^TM, to help IT administrators manage enterprise-wide deployments from a central location. Once VDI Blaster^TM is deployed, users can select to boot into their normal Windows operating system or into DeTOS^TM.

“Using VDI Blaster to convert aging enterprise PCs into secure, managed thin clients enables organizations of all sizes to extend their capital investment in PCs while testing thin client computing models,” explained Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT.  “Traditional desktops typically need to be refreshed or replaced every three or four years, but companies and organizations can now extend the life of these PCs by converting them into thin clients. Users can simultaneously test hosted client computing methods, and we hope VDI Blaster will continue the momentum of IT administrators moving from desktop PCs to hosted client environments.”

VDI Blaster:

• Extends the useful life of aging PCs
• Uses virtual desktops, simply and cost effectively with no hardware replacement necessary
• Maintains Windows desktop experience
• Centrally manages converted PCs
• Allows Plug and play replacement of PC to a thin client when ready
• Converts back to Windows operating system as needed

Devon IT is working with customers and business partners such as  IBM and VMware to make VDI Blaster^TM available to IT administrators and executives worldwide.

“VDI Blaster^TM provides an intuitive vehicle to help PCs run longer and save companies significant amounts of money by extending their original capital investments and avoiding PC refreshes,” says Stephane Verdy, CTO, Devon IT. “Organizations can also use VDI Blaster^TM as a testing platform for server-based and virtual desktop environments, as VDI Blaster^TM essentially turns a PC into a thin client. Devon IT’s ThinManage^TM also helps manage enterprise desktops from one place in the datacenter, another cost-saving benefit.”

“Offering VDI Blaster^TM with VMware View^TM gives enterprises the ability to transform PC environments into virtual desktop environments overnight at a fraction of the cost,” says Raj Mallempati, director of product marketing, Desktop Business Unit, VMware. “VDI Blaster^TM will help to immediately bring the security and manageability benefits of VMware View to organizations while allowing them to leverage their investments in existing assets.”

“We have traditionally used desktop PCs for all of our employees, but are continually looking for ways to extend the useful life of these PCs as well as migrate towards a virtual desktop approach,” says Kevin DiBricida, Network Administrator from Continental Bank. “We are using VDI Blaster^TM to demonstrate the benefits of thin client computing to our company, and see this as a unique and cost-effective approach to the ongoing total-cost -of-ownership issue of desktop PCs.”

“We are excited to offer the VDI Blaster^TM software to our customers and allow them to save money on hardware costs as well as gain the benefits of desktop virtualization,” says Ray Collazo, President, Corpsolv Inc. “PC and even thin client deployments would be much more expensive, and with VDI Blaster^TM our customers can immediately benefit from higher enterprise security and increased manageability of their desktop devices.”

“There’s no question that the thin client market is growing, a trend that is fueled by innovative vendors.  Devon IT is leveraging its growing reputation with partners interviewed by Viewpoint for high quality customized thin client solutions,” says Dorothy Rosenthal VP, Research, a channels focused IT analyst firm.  “New thin client products from Devon IT offers partners alternative solutions and choices to the established thin client vendors.  Devon’s relationship with IBM endorses Devon’s thin client solution and has been a good platform to launch Devon’s expansion into the channel.”

For more information about VDI Blaster^TM, please visit www.vdiblaster.com or www.devonit.com/software/vdi-blaster/overview. For more information about Devon IT, thin client computing, or virtualization, or to arrange for a demonstration, email info@devonit.com or call 610-757-4220 or 888-524-9382.  Devon IT will be demonstrating the VDI Blaster^TM on repurposed PCs at the VMworld tradeshow, booth 2444, in San Francisco, CA, August 28 through September 2, 2009.  Follow Devon IT updates from VMworld 2009 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonIT

“IBM wrote the book on server virtualization, and our thin clients available with IBM part numbers provide users with a complete, powerful alternative desktop solution all from one place,” says Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “VMware is the established leader in virtualization solutions, and we have worked with their executives, engineers, and marketing teams for years to develop our thin clients and software virtualization approach. We are very excited to share with the industry our newest VMware View Certified thin clients and our VDI Blaster^TM software release.”

Devon IT will demo various virtual desktop solutions in the two boot locations using IBM’s industry-leading Blade Center S Chassis. The TC5 thin client from Devon IT, built with the powerful Intel® Atom^TM processor, will display its dual-DVI capabilities. The company’s TC2, the smallest thin client in the world, will also be available for testing. Demonstrations will include VMware View and PC-o-IP^TM, all accessed through Devon IT’s VMware View Certified thin clients.

Devon IT will be presenting on, “Next Generation Virtual Client Solutions from Devon and IBM” in the IBM theater in booth 1624. Follow Devon IT updates from VMworld 2009 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonIT

IT professionals from around the world attend this conference to hear about the new product announcements and technologies that will deliver the leading-edge capabilities that users have come to expect. More than 50 sessions will be offered on topics such as cloud computing, mission-critical capability and scalability, VMware ESXi and more.

“We are excited to participate in this IBM event, as we have seen a huge interest in the alternative desktop space in India,” notes Joe Makoid, president of Devon IT. “This exclusive event showcases some of the advanced technologies surrounding the server-based computing industry, and we look forward to demoing our Intel^TM based thin client, the T5 as well as our other models of thin clients.

For more details on this event visit http://www-304.ibm.com/jct03001c/services/learning/ites.wss?pageType=page&c=Q156055R32198Z27. For more information about Devon IT’s server-hosted products or solutions, call Devon IT India at 91-80-4140 0088/77 or email indiasales@devonit.com.

Virtualized desktops are hosted on a remote central server instead of on the hard drive of local personal computer. Desktop virtualization software separates an individual’s PC applications, files, data, etc. from their desktop. Benefits of this computing model include lowering the total cost of ownership, extending hardware life cycles, increasing security, lowering energy output, and centralizing desktop management.

“We have held several IBM road shows this year in different regions and experienced a significant interest from customers, signaling the momentum of the virtualized desktop,” notes Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “We hope to continue this road show across the U.S. through the end of the year, and encourage customers who are looking to save money on desktop deployment costs, lower their energy bills, centrally manage their desktops to attend these educational seminars.”

IT executives in all-sized industries are invited to attend the seminars. Executives from Devon IT and IBM will host a series of discussions about the benefits of desktop virtualization and the cost-saving benefits. Space is limited and interested customers are encouraged to register for the events here www.devonit.com/about-devon-it/events-calendar/upcoming-events.

For more information about the event, Devon IT thin clients or server-based computing, or to arrange for a proof-of-concept, email info@devonit.com, or call 610-757-4220 or toll-free 888-524-9382. Information is also available at www.devonit.com.

Information technology executives in all-sized industries are invited to attend the seminars. Executives from Devon IT and IBM will host a series of discussions about the benefits of desktop virtualization. Industry experts will also demonstrate how virtualized desktops can save thousands of IT dollars and transform various IT infrastructures into powerful, high-performance cost-saving and energy-saving environments.

Presentations will begin at 9:00AM and the event will conclude at 11:30AM. Space is limited and interested customers are encouraged to register here: https://www-950.ibm.com/events/wwe/grp/grp017.nsf/v16_events?openform&lp=eastnextgenerationvirtualclientsolution&locale=en_US.

“In these difficult economic times, companies are looking to cut costs in any area of business, including IT,” notes Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “Virtualized desktops boast significant cost-savings benefits, from cost of deployment to energy use. I encourage any IT administrator who is struggling with managing costly desktops to attend.”

For more information about the event, Devon IT thin clients, or server-based computing, or to arrange for a proof-of-concept, email info@devonit.com, or call 610-757-4220 or toll-free 888-524-9382. Information is also available at www.devonit.com.

“We are committed to providing industry-leading and cost-effective thin client technology for users,” explained Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “When a market and technology leader like IBM is progressing thin client/hosted client architecture and collaborate with leaders such as Citrix and VMware it is obvious that the current approach to desktop computing is shifting. We have always been proponents of server-centric computing and centralized management as a way for IT managers to reduce costs dramatically. Devon Thin Clients provide IBM customers an easy and cost-effective way to order complete hosted desktop solutions from one source.”

“The economic realities of India technology requires new ideas to solve current problems. The benefits of server-based and virtual desktops are compelling and will address problems like security and operating costs,” said Sunil Bangalore, Program Director India Software Labs IBM India Pvt. Ltd. “This cost-effective alternative to the traditional desktop PC provides increased security, centralized management, and adds operational flexibility to desktop computing. The variety of virtual client solutions, coupled with Devon IT’s thin client, is a potent combination that makes it easy for IT managers to evaluate, assess, and ultimately implement their own virtualized desktop environments.”

The IBM Virtual Client Solutions bring important benefits to the information technology (IT) department. In addition to delivering security and control, the Virtualized Hosted Client Infrastructure will enable companies to support more users with fewer resources, while offering the best possible desktop experience from virtually anywhere and on virtually any device.

Devon’s Line of Thin Clients with IBM part numbers provide a complete set of desktop, mobile and specialized thin client solutions that will meet any end user requirement.

TC2

The ultra-small and inexpensive TC2 is an ideal desktop replacement for businesses looking to downsize their infrastructure and reduce management and power costs. The small form factor unit consumes only 8 watts and is completely silent. Despite its size, it is fully-functioned and allows users to connect to a variety of servers and virtual desktops. The TC2 is exclusively a Devon IT product and is orderable through IBM using an IBM part number.

TC5

The TC5 is a next-generation thin client from Devon IT for users who need high performance from a small footprint client. The TC5 gives users the capability to use multiple displays with one stateless unit. This ultra-advanced desktop appliance supports dual DVI video, internal wireless (Optional) and comes with either the DeTOS Operating System or Windows® XP Embedded. The TC5 is exclusively a Devon IT product and will be orderable through IBM using an IBM part number.

TC10

The TC10 is the highest performance desktop access device in the world. It is the first desktop access device that gives the end user a true PC experience with instant screen updates, full multimedia support, and full USB compatibility. It connects to IBM’s HC10 Workstation Blade using PC-over-IP(tm), a technology that changes the desktop computing model by enabling desktop consolidation benefits to be realized across the enterprise. Unlike a traditional RDP thin client, the TC10 is for demanding users that require real time PC-like capability such as financial traders and power users such as CAD engineers. The TC10 is equivalent to the IBM CP20.

SafeBook® LVO

The SafeBook LVO is the next-generation mobile thin client notebook. Built on the Lenovo ThinkPad platform the SafeBook LVO is available with Windows® XP embedded software and is compatible with Lenovo ThinkPad docking stations and accessories. The SafeBook LVO is a mobile thin client laptop with no hard drive, so all sensitive data is protected against loss or theft. With its low purchase price, low operating and maintenance costs, and reinforced security functions, the SafeBook LVO offers the latest thin client technology in a lightweight, mobile notebook. The SafeBook LVO is exclusively a Devon IT product, and is orderable through IBM using an IBM part number.

Devon Thin Client Software

Devon’s software, which includes its DeTOS operating system and its Thin Manage management suite allows IT managers to easily create, deploy and manage their virtual desktop infrastructure. VDI is complex and therefore requires a holistic management framework to orchestrate the many components required for successful virtual desktop delivery and management. Devon’s suite of software streamlines and simplifies desktop virtualization deployments, enabling IT organizations to gain greater management and control, ensure data and asset security, deliver a superior end-user experience, and provide enterprise business continuity and cost reductions.

“We are partnering with IBM to accelerate hosted client solutions like the VCS,” noted Rajesh Naidu, General Manager of Bangalore-based Devon IT Solutions India Pvt Ltd.. “Our thin clients that are orderable from IBM can help customers immediately access any application without changing the architecture, touching the infrastructure or rewriting code and that is exactly what they are looking for in a secure access hosted client solution.”

Pricing and Availability

For more information about Devon’s India thin client products orderable with IBM part numbers, or to arrange for a proof-of-concept, call +91 080 41400088 or mail: indiasales@devonit.com. Information is also available at www.devonit.com.

Passing the extensive certification testing helps ensure that Devon IT’s thin clients are compatible with VMware technology and ready for deployment in customer environments.

“By combining Devon IT’s thin clients with VMware View, enterprises can be equipped with cost-effective desktop solutions that help enable the management, security, flexibility and deployment benefits of virtualized desktop environments,” said Bernie Mills, senior director, alliance programs, VMware. “We are pleased that Devon IT’s thin clients qualify for the VMware Ready Certified logo, signifying to customers that they have passed specific VMware integration and interoperability criteria and are ready to seamlessly integrate into a VMware View solution.”

“More and more of our customers are virtualizing their desktops with thin clients, and this certification is a natural extension of our commitment with VMware to meet growing customer demand,” explained Joe Makoid, President of Devon IT. “Especially in these challenging economic times, IT administrators need to be certain that their solutions offer them the highest levels of compatibility and flexibility. VMware View coupled with Devon IT thin clients deliver this value and peace of mind, and we are proud to accept this certification and give our customers even more options.”

The VMware Ready program is a VMware co-branding program for qualified partner products and is a benefit of the VMware TAP program. With more than 900 members worldwide, the VMware TAP program works with best-of-breed technology partners to provide them a comprehensive set of VMware technical and marketing services, support, tools and expertise to deliver enhanced value to joint customers.

Devon IT thin clients can be found within the online VMware Hardware Compatibility List at www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.

For more information about Devon IT, server-based computing, or thin client technologies, or to arrange for a demonstration, email info@devonit.com, or call 610-757-4220 or toll-free 888-524-9382. Information is also available at www.devonit.com.

Presentations will start at 10:00AM at the IBM offices at 590 Madison Avenue in New York City.  Space is limited and interested customers are encouraged to register for this free event at http://www.devonit.com/VirtualizationEducation/. This half day event concludes at 1:00PM with a complimentary lunch.  Location details are provided upon registration.

Information technology executives in all-sized industries are invited to attend the seminar. Executives from Devon IT, IBM and other industry thought leaders such as VMware will host a series of discussions on how companies are benefiting from desktop virtualization.

“Devon IT is building smarter desktops for companies of all sizes and all industries, and virtualization is a cornerstone of this goal,” notes Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “In these difficult economic times, companies are looking to cut costs in any area of business, including IT. Virtualized desktops boast significant cost-savings benefits, from cost of deployment to energy use. This seminar brings together the leaders in alternative desktop and virtualization computing, including IBM and VMware, to educate customers on these benefits. I encourage any IT administrator who is struggling with managing costly desktops to attend.”

Attendees will also receive a coupon valid for a discount on Devon IT thin client implementations.
To register for the Virtualization Education Event, please visit http://www.devonit.com/VirtualizationEducation/. For more information about Devon IT and its products and services, please visit www.devonit.com, call 888-524-9382, or email info@devonit.com.

Devon IT Inc., and business partners IBM and RedHat will present their collaborative virtualization solution at the COSN 2009 Annual Conference in booth #118 from March 10-12 in Austin, Texas. The event focuses on the use of technology in K-12 classrooms and brings together key education and policy makers from around the country.

Devon, IBM and RedHat will showcase the latest virtualization technology. Devon’s soon to be released next-generation thin client and mobile thin client laptop, the SafeBook LVO, will be available for demo. Attendees will experience firsthand why so many schools are making the switch from PCs to thin virtualized desktops.

“More and more schools that are looking to refresh their PCs shy away from expensive, bulky, traditional desktop deployments and are exploring more advanced thin clients,” says Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “Schools have been reluctant to sacrifice multimedia applications, but new thin client technologies provide students with the same user experiences as traditional PCs and an easier, more centralized management program for IT administrators. Coupled with up-front hardware cost savings and a reduced overall total cost ownership, thin client solutions are becoming more popular for schools with tight budgets. We are excited to show our new technologies with IBM and RedHat at the COSN show.”

Devon IT, IBM and RedHat will be in booth #118. The COSN Annual Conference will take place March 10-12, 2009 at the Hilton Austin in Austin, TX. For more information about the event or to register, visit http://www.k12schoolnetworking.org/2009/index.cfm.

For more information and to better understand how thin clients can help you reduce overall computing costs, please visit www.devonit.com, call 888-524-9382 or email info@devonit.com.