Implementing the IBM BladeCenter HC10 Workstation Blade

The BladeCenter HC10 is a new blade offering for the BladeCenter family. The HC10 is a new way of implementing high-performance end-user computing without the noise, heat and space issues associated with running a powerful workstation under your users' desks.

The HC10 provides server-based computing technology for workstation applications by offering high security and manageability, while delivering outstanding graphics performance and full USB capability. Built-in features are ideal for engineering design applications, trading floor and other financial applications, Geographic Information Systems applications, distance collaboration and more.

The HC10's architecture is based on the Intel Core 2 Duo desktop platform rather than a server chipset, ensuring performance characteristics suited to a power user. The system is certified with the "Designed for Windows" logo program ensuring maximum compatibility with Windows applications.

This paper describes the technology and design of the IBM BladeCenter, the HC10 workstation blade, and the TC10 workstation connection device which is placed on each user's desk where the monitors and USB devices are attached. The paper describes the planning steps needed to implement an HC10 solution, and includes chapters on how to implement a connection broker to manage how the TC10s connect to the HC10s, and a complete description of the configuration options and management interfaces.