RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – April 12, 2011: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced the industry’s first Cloud Ready Clients that are optimized to interact with the cloud and give end users the best possible experience when accessing applications and services. Cloud Ready Client, an enterprise-class innovation developed with Intel includes all ThinkPad laptops and ThinkCentre desktop PCs powered by 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ or Core™ vPro™ Processors and unique Intel-developed Application Programming Interfaces that expose key hardware attributes of the client to cloud applications.
Lenovo also announced Lenovo Secure Cloud Access (SCA) powered by Stoneware’s webNetwork, a delivery method that improves the way cloud-based applications interact with end user devices like Lenovo Cloud Ready Clients, smartphones and tablets. SCA gives users access to their Web or local and published Microsoft Windows applications on nearly any device through a browser-based interface that mimics the look and feel of their normal Windows desktop. SCA delivers applications based on the device and adjusts security and performance settings to that device. SCA is the first commercial application to deliver an enhanced experience through a Lenovo Cloud Ready Client.
SCA allows business organizations to quickly deploy a private/hybrid cloud inside the data center on physical or virtual servers, simplifying application delivery and services to users. Users can easily access the Web-based desktop since it only requires an Internet connection and a Java-enabled browser.
Simple Access on Any Device, Anywhere
When users access a cloud service from their Cloud Ready Client or from a different device, SCA recognizes situational cues, including the user authentication method, capabilities of the device being used, time of day, location and network. SCA secures and guides the delivery by allocating local or cloud based resources based upon these situational cues. If the user is operating a Lenovo Cloud Ready Client, SCA detects the device’s capabilities, such as processor performance, free memory, graphics and available bandwidth and takes advantage of those capabilities to optimize application delivery and end user experience securely.
Users have a familiar browsing experience since SCA runs on popular browsers like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari. Additionally, the SCA Web-based desktop browser has the same look and feel of a standard browser with a task bar, recent history and favorites, and ability to personalize the theme.
Covered by Fortified Security Layers
SCA delivers enhanced security for both users and IT managers with the application and access including support for SSL or VPN access, integration with Active Directory, eDirectory or LDAP solutions and the ability to add additional levels of authentication in situations or on devices where authentication doesn’t already exist. SCA minimizes cloud virus contamination by granting users access to their organizations’ applications and print and file resources without permitting any access to the organizations’ Intranet.
Additionally, by allowing single sign-on to applications (Windows or web, internal or hosted) and services, SCA simplifies access so businesses can reduce IT management overhead associated with password resets. To further improve single sign-on access and security, a Lenovo Cloud Ready Client with built-in finger print reader can complement or replace application unique passwords.
Quotes
“For cloud computing to be truly effective, the cloud must recognize the client device and its capabilities, and the applications and resources have to be capable of exposing themselves to the cloud. That’s why Lenovo Cloud Ready Client and SCA are a match made in heaven,” said Rich Cheston, executive director and distinguished engineer, Lenovo. “SCA levels the playing field between cloud application and device by mirroring what users are already familiar with while creating an easy management experience for the IT staff.”
“It is exciting to see how our collaboration with Lenovo and Stoneware has led to Lenovo’s Secure Cloud Access, the first solution that delivers upon our vision of the Client Aware Cloud” said Andy Tryba, director of strategy, Business Client Platforms Division, Intel. “This innovative solution will dynamically deliver the best end-user experience based on the context and capabilities of the user’s device. When deployed with new Lenovo ThinkPad laptops and ThinkCentre desktops, based on 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ or Core™ vPro™ Processors, Lenovo’s Secure Cloud Access, will enable organizations to deploy cloud services that are more immersive, more secure, and more cost effective.”
“SCA from Lenovo will help us maintain our rigorous technology standards and provide greater choice for students, faculty and staff who want to have the freedom to use any device – their’s or our’s – to be able to access their applications and resources,” said Trevor Long, IT Director at the College of Education, University of Utah. “The ability for SCA to detect the context of the user and device helps deliver the best experience, performance and cost for all the applications and resources. From a security standpoint, SCA meets all of our requirements. We can easily enable single sign-on access and keep remote devices off of our internal systems minimizing contamination. SCA from Lenovo will give us a competitive advantage.”
Pricing and Availability1
Secure Cloud Access is currently available in North America through Lenovo sales and Lenovo business partners. Pricing starts at approximately $80 per user for commercial customers.
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About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.
1Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.