IBM Launches SmartCloud Desktop Vitualization

IBM continues to expand its cloud software and services offerings by introducing SmartCloud.

Pitched as an entire infrastructure that combines hardware and software, SmartCloud aims to attract customers who want to enable their employees to access business desktop applications with BYOD products, such as smartphones and tablets.According to IBM, SmartCloud addresses integration, management and security concerns, and allow businesses to engage in flexible computing models that can result in greater employee productivity.

The SmartCloud package begins with IBM hardware that includes System x servers such as the Intel-based x3650 M4 rack server, the HS23 blade server, or IBM's recently introduced PureFlex server environment. Additionally, IBM hopes to add additional business opportunities for its services division by helping consumers implement SmartCloud in their organization.

The company promises that SmartCloud is compatible with IBM's own virtualizationsoftware as well as solutions from Virtual Bridges, Citrix and VMware.