The HP Blade Workstation Solution is a complete product offering for Client Virtualization environments that can be used in dedicated-remote workstation environments, delivering workstation-class performance and experience from a remote data center to a desktop client appliance over standard networks, and also as a host in graphics accelerated VDI environments with Microsoft RemoteFX technology.
Q2.
What’s new in HP Blade Workstations?
A2.
The HP Blade Workstations WS460c G6 can now support a server operating system (Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 with Hyper-V role) to deliver graphics accelerated VDI to multiple users. The solution uses GPU virtualization wherein multiple virtual desktops deployed on the Blade Workstation are now able to share the power of the GPU, thereby improving the end-user experience when compared to traditional VDI environments.
Q3.
How does the HP Blade Workstation deliver Graphics Accelerated VDI?
A3.
Microsoft RemoteFX, a feature of the upcoming Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1, is a combination of technologies that will enable a rich, local-like user experience for Microsoft virtual desktop customers by leveraging the power of virtualized graphics and advanced codecs to allow remote workers to access any type of application or screen content, including rich media and 3D applications.
Q4.
What are the types of solutions available from HP Blade Workstations?
A4.
HP Blade Workstations solutions are available as a dedicated remote workstation or graphics accelerated VDI solution.
As a dedicated remote workstation solution, high resolution graphics applications running on a client operating system on the blade workstation are delivered to a single user through RGS remoting protocol.
As a graphics accelerated VDI solution, GPU virtualization helps multiplex the GPU across multiple virtual machines on the blade workstation. Microsoft RemoteFX is used as a remoting protocol to offer high performance graphics to multiple users.
Q5.
What are the key components of the Blade Workstation solution?
A5.
1) The HP ProLiant WS460c Blade Workstation (with an optional Expansion blade) provides hardware accelerated graphics in a dedicated remote desktop environment or in VDI environments with RemoteFX.
2) HP BladeSystem c-Class infrastructure integrates the WS460c with the proven ProLiant brand data center computing.
3) Remoting protocol:
3.A) HP Remote Graphics Software helps deliver a client operating system on the WS460c made available to a single remote access client. HP Session Allocation Manager manages and seamlessly maps end-users to available resource pool. Teamed together, the synergy delivers a “workstation class” experience to its users.
3.B) Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 7.1 with RemoteFX, as part of Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 and Windows 7 SP1, allows host-side rendering graphics capabilities. This means that all of the graphical compositing happens on the Blade Workstation (more specifically, on the remote VDI VM), and all content is sent down to the client as compressed bitmaps, delivering a seamless desktop experience to a client device.
Q6.
What are the Graphics Adapters supported?
A6.
HP ProLiant WS460c G6 Workstation blade is the only blade platform that supports a graphics adapter, either in a Graphics Expansion Blade (PCIe cards) or in a mezzanine slot (mezzanine cards). The following cards are available and supported directly from HP:
NVIDIA Quadro FX880M (mezzanine card, in single or dual configuration)
NVIDIA Quadro FX2800 (mezzanine card, single configuration)
NVIDIA Quadro FX3800 (PCIe, single configuration)
NVIDIA Quadro FX5000 (PCIe, single configuration)
NVIDIA Quadro FX6000 (PCIe, single configuration)
Q7.
Is there a distance limitation between the Blade Workstation and the client?
A7.
Since remote access of the desktop session is accomplished over standard TCP/IP networking, there is no physical distance limitation. Practical limitations for interactivity depend on latency of the user's network. A rule of thumb is that network latency of >100ms results in a noticeable lag in interactivity. Latency of <50ms is generally very acceptable.
Q8.
What is the difference between a Blade Workstation and a Blade Server?
A8.
The Blade Workstation includes a graphics adapter, a range of supported server and client operating systems (Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 or Microsoft Windows XP/ Windows Vista / Windows 7 or Redhat Linux) and is tested for remote operations with optional HP Remote Graphics Software and Microsoft RDP 7.1 with RemoteFX
Q9.
Can the WS460c be mixed with HP ProLiant server blades in the same blade infrastructure?
A9.
Yes. Since the WS460c is part of the HP ProLiant family, it can be mixed in the same HP BladeSystem c7000 enclosure and environment.
Q10.
What type of ProLiant Management ships standard with the WS460c?
A10.
HP ProLiant Onboard Administrator ships standard with every c-Class blade server. It is an enhanced, essential remote management software for the next generation ProLiant BL servers. iLO 2 Standard Blade Edition includes HP Virtual KVM, Integrated Remote Console, Terminal Services Pass-through, Virtual Media (browser single server), Blade specific features (setup wizard, rack view, enclosure alerting, static IP bay configuration), Embedded System Health, Remote Serial Console, Virtual power, Unit ID, Event logs, SIM integration.
The new iLO 2 Select Pack offers optional licensed Lights-Out upgrades for new ProLiant c-Class blade systems and activates security, new power management, scripted virtual media and more in the future as well as flexible licensing, including site licenses and an eight blade kit.
Q11.
What is the warranty on this product?
A11.
Industry Standard Servers are supported with a worldwide limited warranty featuring 3 years of parts, labor, and on-site service. In addition processors, memory, and hard drives are also covered by HP's pre-failure warranty.
Q12.
What service offerings are recommended?
A12.
HP recommends same day hardware support combined with software technical support. This combination provides ready access to technical expertise, will help minimize any downtime, and enable you to focus on your core business.
Reviews dated from 9/1/09 – 10/15/09 may have been part of a sweepstakes submission
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