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IBM Flexes Technology Muscle With New PC Products
URL(s): www.ibm.com
SOMERS, N.Y., Oct. 9, 2001--IBM today introduced new notebook and desktop
computers with exclusive technologies that make it easier for businesses to link PCs with the rest of their e-business
infrastructure.
New IBM ThinkPads(1) and NetVistas(2) now boast innovative wireless and security features, and IBM-patented
technology that dramatically reduces the costs associated with managing large numbers of personal computers. New
products and technology announced today include:
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Four new ThinkPad notebook models and three new NetVista desktop models;
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The industry's first embedded security subsystem that automatically encrypts user keys, files and e-mails;
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Integrated wireless capabilities for local area networking and Bluetooth technologies;
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A set of PC services that will make it easier -- and a lot less costly -- for businesses to deploy, manage and
support personal computers. Using these new services, like ImageUltra, companies can save an estimated $100
per PC, per year, in support cost over the life of the system.
"Today we're delivering technology in wireless, security and manageability that are normally associated with the IT
infrastructure to our PC lineup," said Jon Judge, general manager of IBM's Personal Computing Division. "Mobility,
security and manageability are critical challenges for our customers, not just in the back office, but with the client
devices their employees use everyday. These PC products and services will help address those challenges for our
customers, while delivering significant productivity and cost benefits."
ImageUltra: What is a PC Image?
A PC image is made up of the hardware and software loaded on a personal computer. Most large companies
maintain many different PC images to support a variety of hardware configurations, operating systems, languages,
network drivers and business applications. Each one of these separate "images" has to be developed, tested, managed,
maintained, backed up, and documented -- all of which takes time and money. When this process is applied to
thousands of individual PCs, it quickly becomes a costly and time-consuming problem that drains information
technology resources and budgets.
In fact, according to industry analysts, most companies report that managing PC images represents as much as 50
percent of their total hardware support costs, and that they need to dedicate at least 30 percent of their internal
computing staffs to deal with this problem.
Using IBM-patented software that comes loaded on the system's hard drive, IBM's ImageUltra(3) can reduce the
number of PC images from hundreds or thousands to a single "super-image" for all PCs in an enterprise network. IBM
estimates this new technology and related services can save businesses an average of $100 per PC, per year over the
life of the system, establishing a new benchmark for the PC industry in long-term affordability and manageability.
"Image management remains one of the biggest headaches for CIOs, " said Roger Kay, Director of client computing
at IDC. "Technology that allows system image adjustment to be done on the fly contributes to a company's flexibility in
maintaining a widely deployed image, leading to a reduction in total cost of ownership ."
To introduce ImageUltra, IBM is announcing three Imaging Technology Centers in Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina; Fujisawa, Japan; and Greenock, Scotland. These centers will provide custom image creation, management,
compatibility testing and other services.
Wireless, Security and PC Services
Today's announcement also represents the deployment of a number of investments IBM has made in the area of
wireless, security and other PC-related services.
Wireless
IBM continues to integrate wireless LAN technology into its ThinkPad notebook computers. Select models now
feature IBM's innovative dual antenna design, which was invented by IBM Research and provides significantly better
signal strength coverage for improved reception and transmission. Also, the newly redesigned ThinkPad A30p models
offer integrated Bluetooth wireless communications capabilities, providing even more wireless flexibility.
Wireless is also finding its way onto the NetVista desktops, which now offer an optional High Rate Wireless LAN
PCI Adapter card. This card enables the system to be added wirelessly to an existing LAN when used with a wireless
access point or gateway offers data transfer rates comparable to a wired LAN with (11 Mbps) and 128-bit security
encryption.
Security
Many of the new systems come with enhanced security features demanded by companies in today's connected
environment. IBM has addressed PC data security with its Embedded Security Subsystem, that when used with
appropriate third-party software, helps protect data from intrusion over both wireless and wired networks. It also
helps identify computer users involved in transactions, and helps ensure data transmissions are authentic, confidential,
and intact. IBM's security subsystem can also encrypt data on the PC's hard drive, so that even if the computer is
stolen, the information is protected. This security subsystem is designed to work seamlessly with Tivoli Policy Director
software to enable centralized security management.
New PC Services/Tools
As part of Project eLiza, IBM's initiative to create a self-managing e-business infrastructure, PC services being
announced today include IBM Access Support and Rapid Restore PC. Access Support provides users with quick,
automated solutions to commonly reported problems and allows for self-diagnosis of many system issues, using
documentation customized for the specific model of PC.
Rapid Restore PC assures continued PC up-time, providing automated disk backup and easy restore capabilities.
IBM estimates that more than 90 percent of hard file problems are due to software crashes and/or failures that require
restoration of system images. Rapid Restore PC allows users or IT managers to recover systems and avoid needless
downtime for users and IT staff.
New Netvista Desktops include:
A new M series, focusing on maximum performance and stability, and some models have enhanced security
features. (Prices range from $999 to $1999)
An upgraded A series that provides the latest technology at affordable prices. (Prices range from $699 to $1999)
An improved X series, emphasizing extraordinary space-saving designs with high performance. (Prices range from
$1499 to $2549)
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