Lenovo first to market with VMware’s software solution for the edge

Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) has announced that it will be the first to market with VMware’s edge software solution operating on the robust ThinkSystem SE350 edge servers. The new solution will be delivered directly to client edge sites, with the VMware software solution pre-loaded on a pair of ruggedised and security-enhanced ThinkSystem SE350 computers. In addition, Lenovo also announced updates to its Lenovo open cloud automation management software, which will automate the design, implementation, and continuing administration of data centre cloud deployments all the way to edge locations. As a result, organisations may now use the same management platform to design their data centre cloud and edge infrastructure solutions.

“For better business continuity, improved applications and user experiences, hybrid cloud models are being deployed both in the cloud and at the edge. The new solution announced today supports this hybrid model.” said Charles Ferland, vice president and general manager, edge computing and communication service providers at Lenovo ISG. “It can save up to half of the servers normally needed and takes full advantage of the built-in networking features of the ThinkSystem SE350 to further remove any other networking elements at the edge sites.”

The solution will simplify networking with built-in switching and wireless connectivity, eliminating the need for external network devices at the edge and allowing for smoother and more seamless operation. As a result, VMware customers will soon be able to enjoy the same environment they want in their data centre, directly at their edge locations, through ordering this integrated and pre-loaded bundle.

This new solution is ideal for remote sites that need to be able to process data closer to its creation and closer to users, including retail stores, manufacturing sites, and schools, to name a few.

Deployment of distant edge sites requires a management toolset that seamlessly allows organisations to automate tasks without specialised on-site staff. Lenovo has enhanced its open cloud automation software solution to include edge-supported features, driving accelerated time to value for customers with management capabilities. This single interface automates the planning, deployment and ongoing lifecycle management of the physical and virtual infrastructure required to host cloud applications in the data centre and at thousands of edge sites. ​

Earlier this year, IDC said that Lenovo has maintained its lead at the top of the UAE’s x86 server market in Q3 2020.

The company grew its share of the x86 server market by vendor value from 24.98 per cent in Q2 2020, to 28.17 per cent in Q3 2020, and by vendor revenue from 25.13 per cent in Q2 2020 to 28.52 per cent in Q3 2020. The figures also mark the fourth consecutive quarter of growth in the x86 segment for Lenovo in the UAE.

Read: Lenovo extends lead in UAE x86 server market: IDC