AM3 Cloud and Virtualization Blog

AM3 Technologies is partnering with San Diego Gas & Electric to launch a pilot program which provides small and medium-sized businesses an immediate rebate for moving into the cloud. AM3′s cloud services features the virtualization of servers and desktops.  Previous SDG&E rebate programs have focused mainly on data centers and larger enterprises, virtualizing only servers and thus essentially excluding smaller companies.
 
“With the ability to virtualize both servers and desktops by moving into the cloud, AM3 has created a new rebate market for smaller companies” notes Guy Hansen Senior Program Manager with SDG&E.  The energy rebate amount for a smaller company increases by almost 100% with AM3′s Cloud Computing Rebate Program.
 
Stay tuned for the official launch.

The Mac has always been one of the most sought after computers in the industry. They are powerful machines, but more importantly, it is a Mac, which means that it runs very smoothly with few problems. The clean look and superior design compared to PC’s have made it a favorite for students, designe and home users alike. However, the Mac has never been able to make real headway into the corporate world.

Microsoft’s grip on the corporate market has kept Apple on the fringes. The vast majority of the corporate IT infrastructure runs on Microsoft operating systems. The Microsoft Office Suite and the Exchange email server have the monopoly on corporate communication. Additionally, the bulk of business application designers have designed their applications to run exclusively on Microsoft operating systems. So, if you are a Mac lover or want to become a Mac lover (because once you go Mac, you won’t go back), how can you make your Mac corporate friendly?

The answer of course is cloud computing.  With your business applications and data in the cloud, you can run Windows 7, XP or 2000 (if you dare) and access it on your Mac easily and securely.  Not only can you run one virtual cloud desktop (VCD) on your Mac, but you can run multiple VCD’s for added flexibility and customization. Need or want Linux also, no problem. The cloud makes the Mac an even more powerful tool, by breaking down the barriers and allowing you to run the business software designed exclusively for Windows, virtually from your Mac. Now you can have the best of both worlds.

To purchase or not to purchase the first generation of iPad?
     It seems that the excitement and reviews around the Apple iPad have been mixed. The Apple faithful and a lot of media are strongly supporting it and the PC faithful are watching from the sidelines to see how the launch and the product goes. So what is the future of the iPad? Should you go out and purchase the first generation? There are a few questions that must be answered before that decision can be made.

     So, what is the iPad? Well, believe it or not, the iPad is a tablet computer that may revolutionize the way we interact with the digital world and conduct our daily lives. The iPad will become as embedded in our lives, as the thoughts in our minds. We will pick it up as we start our mornings, to check email, read the newspaper and watch the news. We will use it throughout the day to conduct business, go shopping, and lead our personal lives. And, we will use it until we go to sleep at night, to watch television shows, watch movies and read books. The iPad is so functional and intuitive to use that it will become a seamless part of lives. Why is the iPad going to become such a huge part of our lives?

     Apple has designed the iPad to be very intuitive and easy to use. Many functions require just the touch of one button or the slide of a finger. It is also very lightweight and portable. And, it is a very powerful tool. The key to the iPad’s strength are not just the built in features, which are similar to an iPhone, but the Apps that are available. The thousands of Apps make the iPad an ever increasingly capable tool.

     With all its strengths, though, the iPad is not a perfect device. Since the iPad is an Apple product, it is limited to Apple-approved software and most people do not use Apple software exclusively to conduct business and their personal lives. However, there is an answer to this issue; Cloud computing. Through the use of the WiFi and 3G capabilities (3G models will be available in late April) you can escape the confines of the Apple-only world. For example, if you are a subscriber of the AM3 Cloud Service, the iPad can give you access to all the applications and services that you use to run your business and non-Apple lives, right at your fingertips. The AM3 Cloud Service opens the door to the world outside of the iPad. Ironically, this is the real future and power of the iPad–anywhere, anytime access to your business and personal applications and data.

     So, back to the real question; should you purchase the first generation iPad? Absolutely. Cloud computing is the future of all computing and the iPad is the device that will take you to the cloud via WiFi or 3G.

-Neil Podvin
AM3 Technologies

AM3 Technologies is proud to partner with Cranium-Solutions, the first ever provider of cloud-based security scanning and vulnerability testing.  Their technology works not only on perimeter networks but on internal networks as well.  It is a completely agentless solution which can help customers attain their PCI compliance and tighten up security.  AM3 Technologies will be providing the cloud service infrastructure to Cranium-Solutions as well as OEM their product to offer to AM3 clients.

Its a pretty exciting time at AM3 Technologies, enhanced by the new partnership with Cranium