Simplify the process of getting updates for users. Desktop computers are becoming much more affordable. For under $1,000, a consumer can buy a powerful computer complete with software applications, productivity tools, and connectivity software. Increasing numbers of users now view the PC as an entertainment appliance that enables them to play games, communicate via e-mail, and shop on the Internet. Even with the popularity of PCs, the thought of updating or maintaining their systems can be intimidating to many consumers.

Platform virtualization can make the PC upgrade and maintenance process invisible to users. Consider Joe, who has been using his old computer system for five years. He uses it to store confidential data, contact information, personal financial and family information, tons of old e-mails, browser favorites, and his kids’ games.

Joe is very comfortable with his old computer and its user interface and does not want to risk losing his personal information and organizational structure. As much as he might want the performance of a new PC, he is nervous about upgrading because he has heard horror stories from friends who have lost data or file structures after upgrading to a new PC or operating system. Joe is also nervous about performing what he perceives to be complex maintenance and security enhancements.

Platform virtualization can relieve Joe’s anxiety about PC upgrades by emulating his old computer on the new system and by meeting these essential criteria:

1. When upgrading, Joe must be able to migrate from old to new computer or operating system with a simple installation process. After the migration is complete, the new system must be familiar and stable.
2. Any upgrades will bring increased benefits, including performance, functionality, and security, but the new system must maintain familiar user interfaces to minimize learning curves.
3. The old system should be accessible in the new computer with a simple user interface such as a desktop icon.
4. All peripherals, including the printer, must work and behave exactly the same way they did before. This applies whether Joe is installing a new operating system, application, or security updates.
5. Moving data and the familiar desktop environment from the old computer to the new system should be as easy as a mouse click. The new computing environment must provide management controls that enable Joe to migrate the system however and whenever he wants.
6. The emulated old computer must be secured with appropriate access controls and confidentiality in the new computing environment.
7. The emulated old computer must not introduce any security risks or performance problems to the new computer and applications.

By compartmentalizing system complexities, platform virtualization enables Joe to easily migrate and maintain his familiar computing environment, while making his system more manageable.

Virtualization: Bringing Flexibility and New Capabilities to Computing Platforms

Comments (0)

Trackbacks (0)

Leave a comment