Training zones and desktops from a cloud
MATERNA offers cloud computing services on the basis of IBM products
Stuttgart, 2009-10-15
The IT service provider MATERNA offers companies and government agencies cloud computer solutions for desktop workstations and training environments. The company itself already sources part of its working environment from a cloud environment. As a basis for these services, MATERNA chose a modern IBM BladeCenter, combined with IBM Tivoli and MATERNA's own software.
With its growing volume of customer projects, MATERNA was faced with the challenge of substantially expanding its existing IT capacities. In order to keep the administrative costs, not to mention investments in infrastructure, as low as possible, the company opted to introduce a cloud-based model. An IBM BladeCenter with 13 IBM Blade servers, an IBM System Storage solution and a variety of virtualisation technologies by VMware and Citrix form the basis of its own cloud.
MATERNA uses the cloud services to provide virtual desktops and virtual project environments for its own staff. A number of teams have already been kitted out, with others to follow gradually. The company's outlay per workstation is significantly reduced thanks to centralised administration and a rapid distribution of resources and applications: a new, virtual desktop takes just a couple of minutes to set up using the new solution. What is more, the desktops are easier to maintain, with quicker application updates and improved protection from viruses or other malware. The users themselves do not notice any difference in the performance of their desktops. On the contrary, they enjoy increased flexibility because in principle they are able to work from their accustomed desktop environment from any location with internet access.
Virtualisation
MATERNA also offers the virtual solution to customers in the form of Desktop Virtualisation. Large data centres with many thousands of desktop users are particularly interested in this efficient solution. By sourcing desktops from the cloud they are able to confront several challenges at once, not only cutting administration costs, but also reducing complexity whilst rapidly deploying more secure working environments. And, since all data remain in the data centre, they are no longer at risk if the end device is stolen or lost.
Flexible Training Environment
In addition to virtual desktops, MATERNA also offers training environments as a service from the cloud. Through its subsidiary, MATERNA Training Management Technologies, the IT service provider offers educational institutes a virtual training environment with flexible configuration possibilities, in which students can access their screen lessons from any location - in the classroom, at the office, at home or even while on the go. Training centres no longer need to install a training environment on PCs, since this can be provided via their internet browser.
The cloud training environment offers educational institutes not only the advantage of minimising their outlay for equipping the computer environment, but also flexibility for the students who are able to access their lessons anytime and anywhere. Training in a cloud environment consisting of MATERNA and IBM tools drastically reduces the IT operating costs associated with the development and administration of a cloud computing environment thanks to automated processes.
MATERNA uses IBM hardware and software for the implementation of its cloud services. A modern IBM BladeCenter with Blade servers comprising virtualization technologies by VMware and Citrix, together with IBM System Storage solutions form the basis. For the automation and administration of the existing software, MATERNA trusts in the IBM Tivoli Service Automation Manager (TSAM). TSAM will be used in future to automate a variety of service processes including the set up process, the operating process and the shutdown process. In this scenario, TSAM takes care of orders for equipping new virtual training rooms according to rules and in defined cycles, and automatically controls the preparation of the training environment, which is in turn equipped by MATERNA's own Workplace Management solution, DX-Union. Training courses are provisioned punctually, fully automatically and without manual intervention, with changes in the training phases automatically taken into account.
"There's not a company on the market that considers cloud computing without thinking of IBM – no other provider is so committed to this field at the moment, our customers know that. That's why we opted for IBM, the most skilled partner for our cloud services," explains Uwe Scariot, Information Business Unit Manager at MATERNA.
This press release was issued by IBM Deutschland GmbH.
About IBM
You can find more information about IBM at www.ibm.com
More information for journalists:
IBM Deutschland GmbH
Christine Paulus
Media Relations IBM Software Group
Phone: +49 89 45041396
Mobile: +49 151 14270466
Email: christine.paulus@de.ibm.com
MATERNA GmbH Information & Communications
As a leading information technology service provider, MATERNA employs more than 1,300 staff throughout Europe and achieved a turnover of more than 160 million euros in 2008. The information business unit provides process and technology consulting and implements appropriate IT solutions for companies and public authorities and agencies. MATERNA is highly skilled in the fields of IT management, business applications for companies as well as specialist applications for public administrations. The Business Unit Communications markets service platforms, premium content services as well as voice and video applications. The subsidiary vistream GmbH, as a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE), takes on the role of mobile network operator for its customers. The company also provides CUSS solutions for airlines and airports.
Further Information:
MATERNA GmbH
Information & Communications
Press and PR Office
Christine Siepe
Vosskuhle 37
44141 Dortmund
Germany
Phone: +49 231 5599-168
Fax: +49 231 5599-165
Email: christine.siepe@materna.de
