Enhanced GPU support in New Cisco C Series Servers

Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) and servers unify computing, networking, management, virtualisation, and storage access into a single integrated architecture.

This unique architecture enables end-to-end server visibility, management, and control in both bare metal and virtual environments.

To improve availability and ensure business continuity, organisations need efficient ways to maintain production systems while minimising downtime.

Virtualisation technology simplifies IT so that organisations can more effectively use their storage, network, and computing resources to control costs and respond faster to the ever-changing landscape.

In the data center, this deployment uses Cisco UCS servers to host the virtual desktops and other data center services required to complete the virtualisation solution.

Deploying the initial VDI solution ensures that, as an organisation grows, the VDI deployment can grow by using the advantages of unified computing.

However there several VDI issues which some businesses currently face with VDI deployments. VDI is suitable for knowledge and task workers but qualifies out for power or designer users.

The simple fact is that servers have no GPUs to run these graphically intense applications which means customers end up with standalone Power/Designer Users on workstations; not on the VDI system everyone else uses.

They are additional management strain on IT, and to boot the workstation GPUs are massively under-utilised wasting resource and capacity dollars.

Cisco UCS C240 provides a single converged system that simplifies management and delivers greater cost efficiency and agility with increased visibility and control.

The new Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers deliver unified computing in an industry-standard form factor to reduce total cost of ownership and increase agility.

So Why Cisco UCS for 3D VDI?

• It has been designed for Nvidia GRID cards, being GRID Certified to thermally accommodate 2x GRID K1/K2 GPU cards

• CIMC - Management of both UCS blades and UCS C240 rack server, with no cost for advanced management

Future options with UCS

The market has demonstrated the value of Cisco UCS by making Cisco one of the top three x86-architecture blade server vendors in less than two years since the first product shipment.

Cisco UCS demonstrates Cisco’s dedication to the market and the quality and investment protection built into Cisco products. More important are the business-transforming benefits that Cisco UCS can bring to your organisation.

For more information on the new Cisco C Series servers enabling virtual desktop solutions, please contact Victoria Heath, Westcon Group NZ ph: 415 6220 or email victoria.heath@westcongroup.co.nz