Implementing the IBM BladeCenter HC10 Workstation Blade

The IBM® BladeCenter® HC10 is a new blade offering for the BladeCenter family. The HC10 is a way to implement high-performance user computing without the noise, heat, and space issues that are associated with running a powerful workstation under your desk.

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 HC10s 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 Microsoft® Windows® Logo Program, ensuring maximum compatibility with Microsoft Windows applications.

This paper describes the technology and design of the IBM BladeCenter, the IBM BladeCenter HC10 workstation blade, and the IBM CP20 Workstation Connection Device that 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 CP20s connect to the HC10s. It also includes a complete description of the configuration options and management interfaces.

This paper is for customers, IBM Business Partners, and IBM employees who want to understand how the HC10 solution is designed and implemented.

Chapter 1. Introduction to BladeCenter
Chapter 2. The case for workstation blades
Chapter 3. HC10 architecture and design
Chapter 4. Planning a HC10 installation
Chapter 5. Setup with a connection broker
Chapter 6. Configuration options

Related product families

Product families related to this document are the following:

• Blade Servers