NEC Sigma System Center 2.0 for Virtual PC Center offers compatibility with Windows® Vista® and upgraded system administration functions

Middle East, May 13, 2008 - NEC Computers has announced the availability of the new version of NEC Sigma System Center 2.0, the only all-in-one window true management software console for its virtual PC system, VirtualPCCenter. The new enhancements include (1) upgraded system administration software to automatically adjust the number of virtual PC servers operating to meet the workload needs of end users (clients) and deliver system-wide energy savings of up to 62%* over conventional PCs as well as energy savings on operations in the data center; (2) compatibility with the virtual PC operating system Windows® Vista®** through improved infrastructure software; (3) and increased cost performance provided by enhanced hardware capabilities for virtual PC servers.

Johan Degroote, EMEA Business Development Director for NEC Computers, said, "Virtual PC thin client systems have been widely praised for delivering operational management efficiencies with minimum wastage of IT resources through the use of VMware desktop virtualization to centralize IT desktop workloads on a small number of highly reliable servers while providing all the user-friendly benefits of the traditional PC environment. While it is still not deployed in the Middle East as yet, virtual PC thin client systems are being deployed in increasing numbers across the globe."

Virtual PC systems have always realized large-scale reductions in energy load when compared with traditional PC systems and therefore have attracted considerable attention from environmental interests. With upgraded operation management software, NEC's VirtualPCCenter successfully delivers even greater energy savings.

A demo VirtualPCCenter thin client system is available in the Middle East at Al Yousuf Computers for viewing by potential partners and customers.

1. Delivers system-wide energy savings of up to 62% over conventional PCs Reduces the number of virtual PC operating during times of reduced work load, such as overnight or company holidays. "NEC SigmaSystemCenter" management software installed in the management server monitors system conditions, automatically centralizing virtual PC operating across multiple virtual PC servers onto a smaller number of servers, thereby delivering energy savings by automatically cutting power to the redundant servers. When the working day commences and the number of PCs in operation increases elevating server load, the shutdown virtual PC servers are automatically restarted as needed and virtual PC redeployed in the system, resulting in the optimum number of servers running at any time of the day. This software enhancement delivers system-wide energy savings of up to 62% reduction in annual energy consumption when compared with traditional PC.

Compatibility with Windows® Vista® **

In addition to existing compatibility with the Windows® XP® operating system for virtual PC, the enhanced VirtualPCCenter also supports Windows® Vista®.

Increased cost performance from enhanced virtual PC server capabilities

Delivers a significant increase in cost performance by increasing the number of virtual PCs that can be allocated to each server. This is realized by enhanced CPU capabilities in virtual PC servers running VMware virtualized desktop environments.

Enhanced system administration functions

Improvements in the NEC SigmaSystemCenter management console allow for a more intuitive and straightforward system administration environment. Upgraded functions for the bulk delivery of security patches and applications to all virtual PC and the automatic regulation of simultaneous deliveries disperses load across the entire system.

Enhanced security

Limiting the terminals that can be connected to the VirtualPCCenter makes it possible to authorize only those connections made via client management functions. This delivers advanced security benefits by making connections to virtual PC unavailable to unauthorized terminals, such as PCs brought into company offices by non-company personnel.

With the imminent arrival of the NGN era, thin client systems are increasingly attracting the attention of enterprises and government bodies looking to realize such benefits as enhanced security, reduced TCO, more mobile working styles and business continuity infrastructure through the centralized management of data. This has led to an increase in the number of full-scale deployments of large volume systems. At the same time, the issue of global warming is generating interest in the environmental benefits of thin client systems, including reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

NEC's enhanced VirtualPCCenter thin client system has been developed to meet these evolving market trends and represents an integral part of NEC's efforts to deliver energy-saving IT platforms to our enterprise clients.

"NEC's newly enhanced VirtualPCCenter solution delivers virtual desktops that are faster to deploy, less costly to maintain and manage, and more secure than traditional PCs," says Jeff Jennings, Vice President of Desktop Products and Solutions at VMware. "Our customers will appreciate VirtualPCCenter's enhanced management capabilities, energy-efficient technology and rich multimedia end-user experience delivered in a simplified, packaged VMware virtual desktop."

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© Press Release 2008