Innovativ's EdgeSAF™ desktop alternative increases security and reduces complexity

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, August 15, 2005

Innovativ, a leading solutions integrator delivering business critical technology-based products and services, announced the availability of its EdgeSAF(TM) server-centric computing solution today.

EdgeSAF (Edge Services Architecture Framework) replaces the virus-plagued, overly complex desktop computing model with a scalable infrastructure and a secure, cost-effective alternative that provides users with a rich, PC-like experience.

The cost, complexity and security issues surrounding current desktop implementations have many organizations seeking alternative computing solutions for their "fat" PCs. The security risks of a traditional, PC-based model of computing, including the increasing threat of virus propagation, remain a top concern for IT professionals.

EdgeSAF not only offers increased security to seal off edge devices from viruses, it also moves system complexity back into the data center where resources, processes and procedures are better able to handle it. "Today's growing enterprises seek solutions that are both secure and cost effective as well as easy for employees to operate," stated Gerard McGowan, vice president of Technology & Services at Innovativ.

"The EdgeSAF computing solution delivers an architecture focused on applications and network resources delivered as services to the desktop to solve the inherent challenges associated with a traditional, PC-based environment. The fact that EdgeSAF is hardware agnostic is increasingly important to IT professionals as the market of edge devices continues to expand. The centralized control of administration ensures that employees have access to the functions necessary to conduct business, but no more and no less."

EdgeSAF allows for the provisioning of applications and resources as a service to users or groups of users through a feature called "Services on Demand" that provides the ability to implement roles and business rules, giving each user a customized desktop experience. This provisioning component also allows for billing, reporting, enabling of Web services, and synchronization of directory services and administration.

EdgeSAF employs a comprehensive management system that monitors faults, and reports on capacity and performance in both real-time and historical views. The management system keeps an eye on security by monitoring changes to the system, including those that effect policy enforcement and compliance. In addition, users' data and applications are stored on high-performance, highly available devices in the data center. The user has access to the data and applications regardless of the location of the user or the edge device used. McGowan added, "Not only does EdgeSAF enable efficiency and productivity, it integrates with legacy systems and applications, and provides a platform for next-generation services that also enables the rapid deployment of new technology, giving businesses a leading edge in today's competitive marketplace."