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Business Services Industry

Computing Gets Sharp

Entrepreneur, August, 2001 by Amanda C. Kooser

I assume you're familiar with thin clients, where a server powers employee terminals that, at their simplest, consist of a monitor, a mouse and a keyboard. The attraction comes from easy upgradability, centralized management and added security. A main disadvantage, though, is that high demand on the server slows down the overall network and puts a damper on computing speed.

That's where the next generation of managed desktops, called CPU Blades, steps in. ClearCube Technology (www. clearcube.com) didn't design its new breed of hardware to work off a single server la thin clients. Instead, each worker gets a CPU Blade with all the typical PC parts: processor, memory, hard drive, Ethemet and video. Barely taller than 5 inches, the slim CPU Blades are designed to be rack-mounted in a Cage with other Blades--one for each user. USB ports allow peripheral expansion, and printing is achieved via your office network.

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Having all the main hardware in one location is a boon to IT staff. CPU Blades are compatible with most Ethernet servers, meaning software upgrades are done over the company network. Both Windows and Linux are OS options for the Intel-based systems.

Currently, ClearCube's sales team targets large enterprises; you won't be running out to buy a herd of CPU Blades tomorrow. But the technology holds promise for small call-center operations, financial businesses and other companies that deal with similarly configured workstations. They haven't hit the mainstream just yet, but they're still worth keeping an eye on.

Business Services Industry

Computing Gets Sharp

Entrepreneur, August, 2001 by Amanda C. Kooser

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