The distribution channel is flooded with a huge variety of computer components and equipment. For resellers who build PC and server products for their customers, the choice is vast.
The problem is getting the "mix" of platforms, processors and peripherals right so that the result meets the performance, reliability and future-proofing requirements of the user.
Rectron`s business manager, Michael Hann, says the "proof of the pudding is in the eating" when it comes to component selection.
As any good master chef will tell you, a first-class meal demands strict attention to the requirements of the recipe, knowledge of the taste preferences of the diner, and the use of quality ingredients.
Designing a personal computer (PC) or system server is similar. The technical specialist has his opinion on specifications - while the end-user has a clear idea on what`s required from an application perspective. It`s meeting both their objectives through an appropriate "mix" of quality components and technologies that is often a difficult task.
The end result should be a commercially viable, reliable, performance-oriented and future-proofed PC or server that represents sound value for money - and is capable of delivering a return on investment in the long-term.
Advantages
In order to achieve these goals, an excellent starting point for the systems developer/integrator is the server and its processor; the heart of any computer network.
Applications based on the 64-bit processor offer compelling business and IT advantages - such as speed, reliability and multi-tasking abilities - so this platform is an obvious "first ingredient".
Intel has already shipped over one million 64-bit processors for servers, which have proven themselves for simplifying migrations and providing flexible support for end-to-end enterprise computing systems. The longevity of a 64-bit based system - and its investment value - is assured.
Hard core
If 64-bit computing is the basic ingredient, then dual- and multi-core processors must follow. Dual-core offers significantly better management of foreground and background tasks, preparing the way for tomorrow`s "super" applications to optimise the resources available to them.
From a technical perspective, dual-core processors include two complete execution cores per physical processor, allowing up to four tasks or software threads to be handled simultaneously.
When four means more
But what happens when software developments make the four-task processor appear a little bland to businesses with a taste for more complex, simultaneous transactions and escalating workloads that accommodate converged voice/data/video implementations?
Multi-core processors represent something of an "attainable goal" for the components industry at present. Currently in the testing phase of their development, true multi-core processors can be expected to drive dramatic performance and productivity gains over the next few years.
Threading the needle
As technology moves ahead, the more successful recipes will be those that not only optimise platforms, operating systems and applications, but combine appropriate, compatible business and IT strategies into the mix.
This is why it is strategically important, if one is to take full advantage of dual- and multi-core platforms, to take a long, hard look at hyper-threading technology, which represents a significant leap forward in application software.
Hyper-threading helps to increase transaction rates, reduce end-user response times, and enhance business productivity.
Already software developers are looking to hyper-threading to deliver considerable advances in areas such as customer relationship management, infrastructure management, enterprise databases, business intelligence, collaboration/e-mail and a host of others.
Virtual reality
Virtualisation technology represents yet another reality in the development process. Designed to complement the advanced, 64-bit, multi-core processing and hyper-threading software of the future, virtualisation allows a computing platform to run multiple operating systems and applications in independent partitions.
This means, for example, that one computer system can function as multiple "virtual" systems.
The advantages, in addition to reduced costs, improved robustness and performance, include multifunction capabilities that could allow a single computer to function as both a business and personal system simultaneously - or one that runs different operating systems and software for different or legacy tasks.
What`s more, multiple servers can be combined into one system, running different applications and operating systems, providing advantages for IT tasks such as server consolidation, legacy migration and security.
Seasoning
There are many components that are evolving and need to be included in the mix to create the ideal PC experience or the most advanced server functionality.
These include new "lifestyle" peripherals that are on the drawing boards or in beta testing phases. Watch out for multifunction wireless mice, new style keyboards and "super-stereo" headsets.
Be on the lookout for new developments in memory, sound cards, speakers and software that allow music and movies to be recorded or played simultaneously on a variety of portable, digital music and video capture devices - which can be linked to the Internet or TV channels.
High-speed wireless networks are a productivity boon for executives on the move, but efficiency benchmarks for office workers will be raised by new generation, high-capacity hard drives and storage devices, multifunction printers and scanners, large format monitors and displays, optical drives and media - and the interface advances that will be associated with these yet-to-be-released components.
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