IT@Intel Client Blog

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Compute Models and Enterprise Streaming

Posted by Catherine Spence Jan 29, 2008

One of the emerging compute models is enterprise streaming. With streaming applications and/or operating systems are downloaded to clients for temporary local execution. End-users access software on-demand.

Intel IT has been evaluating streaming as a way to boost productivity and lower costs. Streaming can streamline IT operations by consolidating backend infrastructure, while preserving user experience.

Listen to the podcast for a brief introduction to the work taking place in Intel IT.

http://www.podtech.net/home/4890/itintel-software-as-a-service

0 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: alternate_compute_models, client, saas, software_delivery_models, streaming, streaming_computing

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Streaming Impact on the Server and Network

Posted by Catherine Spence Jan 25, 2008

Several Intel IT folks (and others!) have expressed concern over the back-end implications of hosting a streamed computing solution. How many clients can be supported by a server? How will streaming affect the network? Well, we had the same questions so we constructed a lab experiment to find out.

Streaming was more efficient than we expected. We demonstrated that server utilization remained low and network utilization improved over time. We successfully executed a variety of applications including audio and video. We also encountered a few challenges.

Want to know more? Read our full report: Streaming and Virtual Hosted Desktop Study

1 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: alternate_compute_models, saas, software_delivery_models, streaming, virtual_hosted_desktop, streaming_computing, client

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Decentralized or centralized client computing?

Posted by Catherine Spence Jan 15, 2008

It seems like the pendulum is always swinging. First all computing was centralized on a mainframe with users connected via terminals. Then, over time, computing became more and more distributed with individual PCs and peripherals. Is it now time to consider a more centralized computing model?

Networking continues to become more robust. Users have an expectation of connectedness, whether working within the enterprise, at home or on the road on a wired or wireless network. If you are always connected then you can reconsider how to make the best use of your computing power, locally or on the network, as long as it is fast enough.

Thick, thin or something in between: what are your thoughts?

2 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: saas, alternate_compute_models, software_delivery_models

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On-Demand Software in the Enterprise

Posted by Catherine Spence Dec 21, 2007

In a large enterprise like Intel, there are many different ways that software is provisioned for specific usage models. The general business user's client build contains common applications to support day-to-day tasks. On top of that build, other software applications are installed by the user using a repository of installation kits. The current self-service model works but it could be improved by taking a page from the Software as a Service (SaaS) approach.

With SaaS, services are delivered on-demand over the internet using a consolidated backend infrastructure. Typically, SaaS application usage is metered and billed on a per-use basis. If we take some of these concepts into the enterprise, we can explore benefits of boosting productivity and lowering costs. Productivity from the user standpoint is improved by automatically providing application updates and patches. Users no longer have to download new versions from the repository and take the time to install them. Lower costs could include a new strategy to manage licenses. For example, better tracking of application usage could lead to a plan to reclaim unused licenses. Information generated by application usage ensures that the correct licensing is purchased during supplier negotiations for renewals.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: saas, software_delivery_models, alternate_compute_models