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APRIL 2011

EI at THE PLAYERS:
Our signature customer appreciation event

An experience second to none – from the location to the view to the service – we put you above the rest. For the past 10 years, EI has utilized THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP as our signature customer appreciation event-  a way to say thank you to our clients and friends for a great year. Our private suite behind the 17th tee box is arguably the single best spot on the course for golf-watching, cocktail-drinking and heat-escaping. Whether you choose to sit inside to cool down or outside to be part of the action, the EI staff will be happy to serve you complimentary food and beverages while you relax and enjoy a great view of the most famous hole in golf. We offer the best view, the best location and the best treatment, with an experience second to none. If you've joined us at THE PLAYERS before, you know. If you haven't you're in for a treat.

Top 5 trends for 2011 Predictions from the CTO:
Desktop Hypervisor

In 2011 we have featured an article based on the top 5 trends for this year, predictions from the CTO, each month. We have discussed Windows 7 as a solid operating system and virtual desktop infrastructure also known as VDI, this month we will elaborate on desktop hypervisor, the two types, and the different software available.

Hypervisor, also called virtual machine monitor, is one of many virtualization techniques which allow multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a host computer, a feature called hardware virtualization. Hypervisor has its name because it is conceptually one level higher than a supervisor. The hypervisor presents to the guest operating systems a virtual operating platform and monitors the execution of the guest operating systems. Multiple instances of a variety of operating systems may share the virtualized hardware resources. Hypervisors are installed on server hardware whose only task is to run guest operating systems. Non-hypervisor virtualization systems are used for similar tasks on dedicated server hardware, but also commonly on desktop, portable and even handheld computers.

There are two types of hypervisors: Type1 and Type2. Hypervisor Type1 is commonly referred to as "bare-metal" virtualization.  Hypervisor Type1 delivers the user's computing experience, but replaces their device's local operating system with a hypervisor.  In this model, the client operating system is managed by a server back-end.However, applications and user settings are installed on the locally delivered version of the operating system.  Once modified, the local copy can be replicated back to the server host for storage.  This provides an "always available" experience, even when not connected to the server back end, while still providing storage and redundancy via replication backups.  In this model, one client device is interchangeable with another, facilitating expedited return to service when problems arise due to minimal client device configuration.

While the image below shows only one client operating system on the local device, most client hypervisors allow for access to multiple client operating systems to be stored and accessed on the client device. A common example of this form of desktop virtualization is Citrix's XenDesktop.

Hypervisor Type2

The biggest differentiator between Hypervisor Type1 and Type2 is that Hypervisor Type2 requires a local operating system and a virtualization client on the user's local device.  Once employed, the local operating system is accessible, and multiple local virtual desktops can be as well.  A common example of this is Microsoft's Virtual PC.

Most people focus on Citrix or VMWare, but there is another client hypervisor to consider when looking into a product. Virtual Computer's NxTop already has just about everything we've been waiting for Citrix and VMWare to provide. NxTop is not a full virtual desktop infrastructure solution because it does very little that involves hypervisors in the data center or remote display protocols. The product does, however, provide the ability to connect to existing VDI and server-based computing environments. NxTop has the same functionalities and capabilities as Citrix but can support more computers by makes and models.

If you are interested in inquiring information regarding desktop hypervisor, Type1 and Type2 or the different software available for your organization, contact Tracey Brown at tbrown@entint.com.

Meet the Team:
Eric Fromm and the Security Team

Eric Fromm - Director or Security Operations - Eric has been with EI for 9 years and oversees security for Enterprise Integration's customers including CSX, Sea Star, Adecco and Rayonier.He has a wealth of expertise in phases of Information and network security issues such as security strategy, architecture planning, firewall support, and operational services.  Eric is a results-oriented team player who motivates and develops those who work with him through his high energy, pragmatic approach, focused on measurable outcomes. He leads the Security Operations team by example, using his excellent analytical skills and critical ability to quickly identify security issues and apply effective resolutions.  He constantly encourages the team to automate tasks to improve the overall operational efficiency of the team.

The Security Team consists of two functional groups, operations and access control.

Security Operations - Security Engineering Team effectively supports EI's clients by delivering architecture plans and new technology recommendations that fit into their existing enterprise environment.  The team also delivers custom solutions for Monitored Security Services, Security Consulting Services and Security Solutions with a goal of proactively, reactively and remedially supporting and managing the information security life cycle. The team delivers tangible results and enhances its clients' information security capabilities with a focus on specific solutions like firewalls, web proxy, anti-virus, data loss prevention, Encryption-PKI, single sign-on, application load balancing/firewalls,  and intrusion detection/prevention systems just to mention a few.  They also aid in the development of business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

Security Access Control - The Security Access Control Team controls access to areas and resources including physical facilities and with computer-based information systems. The team is responsible for the day to day provisioning and de-provisioning by providing or removing users' entitlements to Adecco's information and technology resources.  The team works to streamline the various processes in order to better manage employee, partner and client access to the resources. 

EI is currently working on security projects including Security Assessment, developing a Security Roadmap, deploying a Symantec End Point Protection and deploying Microsoft's Identity Management solution.

EI in the Community

EI is proud to support deserving local organizations Daniel Memorial and the Child Cancer Fund – both organizations that support children, although in different ways. Daniel is Florida’s oldest child-serving agency and serves to provide quality services for youth and families. They are also one of EI’s longest-standing clients. Child Cancer Fund is a grassroots organization in Jacksonville started by parents of children with cancer. Today, they serve to help children and their families through the challenges of childhood cancer. Recently, EI has supported both of these organizations through sponsorships of their spring golf tournaments. A few of our executives and clients took to the links in honor of the hard work of both of these groups. “We are proud to support both Daniel and Child Cancer Fund. Making the world a better place starts with supporting the youth of our community – they are our future,” said Mike Locher, CEO.

EI continues to grow!

We are happy to announce another addition to our EI client family, Capital Retirement Plan Services, Inc.
Capital Services provides full-service employer sponsored retirement plan administration and consulting, including plan design, implementation, administration, and communication of a wide range of retirement plans. They are headquartered in Ponte Vedra, Florida and have approximately 30 employees.
EI provides managed services such as full infrastructure management including server, firewall, and network devices as well as end user support, help desk and 24/7 monitoring.

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