Cloud computer is a service?

Tianyi Cloud Computing Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Tianyi Company) officially released cloud computing services in Beijing on July 20. Cloud Computer is an innovative IT service launched by Tianyi Company. It is not a simple terminal device, nor a simple desktop service. Cloud computer service sets the advantages of VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), Desktop as a Service (DaaS), and Cloud Terminal. It delivers IT as a service to users, enabling users to get rid of the shackles of traditional PCs.

From selling products to selling services Li Shuyi: Could you first introduce the company's overall strategy and market positioning?

Talking Tianhao: Our company focuses on desktop applications and can provide users with cloud computer services, VDI solutions, and cloud terminal equipment. The company's aim is "to provide quality IT services for everyone." The main carrier for achieving this goal is cloud computer services.

The PC is just a tool, and this kind of tool may be replaced by a new type of tool in the future. Cloud computers, on the other hand, integrate services, applications, and resources. This makes it an alternative to PC in many application scenarios. In the future, people can no longer buy a PC. As long as they apply for the corresponding bandwidth to the telecom operators, they can get a cloud terminal device, an account and a password, and then they can easily log in to their own desktop, access applications, and browse web pages. Watching movies or playing games... Relying on cloud computer services, you can access your desktop without any obstacles as long as you have an Internet connection.

Li Shukai: Compared with PCs, what are the unique advantages of cloud computers?

Talking about Scorpio: First of all, from the hardware architecture point of view, the PC adopts the x86 architecture, including CPU, memory, and hard disk, and all the data is stored locally. The cloud computer adopts a cloud computing architecture. The terminal device is just an access point that connects the user's desktop with the background cloud computing system. CPU, memory, hard disk, and other resources are all pooled in the cloud resource pool. In the cloud computer service model, desktops, applications, and data are just the content of services.

Second, from the perspective of system maintenance and management, cloud computers can achieve unified management and maintenance, thereby reducing the user's own system maintenance workload. For example, if the PC's hard disk fails, it is very difficult to repair the hard disk and recover the data. The user may have to commission a professional data recovery company to recover the data and pay higher fees.

If you use cloud computer services, users will not encounter the above trouble. Cloud computer services greatly increase the reliability of applications and data. The back-end data center relied on by Tianyi Cloud Computer Services is built according to the Tier 4 level, the highest level in the industry, and can achieve the reliability required by financial users. If the user uses the cloud computer service, even if the front-end hardware device fails, the system can resume normal operation as long as the system is restarted, and the data is always stored in the cloud data center, and there will be no security problems.

Again from the perspective of cost, with cloud computing services, users do not have to build large and complex IT systems themselves, and all computing resources and storage resources can be obtained from the cloud on demand. Therefore, compared to PCs, cloud computer services have a very large price advantage. For example, we are currently working with telecom operators to promote cloud computing services for individuals. The average monthly service fee is only 120 to 150 yuan.

Finally, from the perspective of user experience, cloud computer services can achieve flexible allocation of resources, plug and play. Users can use cloud computing services on demand, like using water or electricity.

From the PC to the cloud computer service, this is both a change in usage patterns and a change in the way equipment is purchased. In the past, people were accustomed to purchasing simple hardware devices. Now people are gradually adapting to this change from buying equipment to buying resources and services. As a new IT service model, cloud computers will completely change the way people work, study, live and play.

Technology is to protect Li Shuyi: Can you tell us about the background of the birth of cloud computer services? At present, what product lines does Tianhao have?

Talking Tian Hao: In terms of services, we have cloud computer services, which is also our current business focus. In terms of software, we have fully self-developed desktop virtualization software, device management software, and 3Tcloud Receiver. 3Tcloud Receiver can realize the connection and interaction between the smart terminal and the cloud background. On the hardware side, we have cloud terminal devices X900 and X910. The X900 is based on the ARM architecture and consumes only 3W of power. It is mainly used as an access terminal for cloud computing services. The X910 is compatible with desktop virtualization software from vendors such as VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft and can be used to build VDI solutions.

In 2009, VDI solutions became popular. Some large enterprises prefer the VDI solution because it can achieve centralized management and control of the desktop, and it has higher security and easier maintenance. With the advent of the cloud era, the new service model, desktop as a service, has begun to emerge. The essence of desktop as a service is to deliver VDI virtual desktops as a service to users. In this way, users do not have to build VDI solutions on their own, and they can obtain virtual desktops by purchasing services. However, the desktop-as-a-service model has drawbacks. For example, users still need to purchase a PC or thin client.

In the field of desktop applications, we have both efficient network connections and interactive protocols, desktop management software, and cloud terminals. So why can't we combine these devices to provide users with a more convenient service? Although the new service includes cloud terminals, it is not a pure cloud terminal; this new service is similar to desktop-as-a-service, but it has richer connotations than desktop-as-a-service. This new type of virtual desktop service we introduce provides the same operating experience as a PC, and all resources are in the cloud. Therefore, we decided to name this service cloud computer service.

Shushu Li: Just now you mentioned the similarities and differences between Cloud Computing, VDI, and Desktop as a Service. This reminds me of the well-known thin clients. Where is the difference between cloud computers and thin clients?

Talking about Scorpio: The thin client is a streamlined PC. The cloud computer is a kind of overall service plan. The thin client can be used as a cloud terminal to integrate into the cloud computer service. Take our cloud terminal X900 as an example, the difference between it and the thin client is mainly manifested in the following aspects.

From the architectural point of view, the X900 adopts the ARM architecture, and its volume is only 1/3 to 1/2 of that of thin clients using the x86 architecture. From the hardware configuration point of view, thin clients include CPU, memory, hard disk, etc., which is equivalent to a small PC. The X900 does not include CPU, memory, and hard disks. From the point of view of whether there is a local operating system, the thin client has a local operating system, such as an embedded WinCE system. There is no local operating system on the X900. From a processing point of view, thin clients require a more powerful processing capability because they have a local operating system. The X900 does not have a local user operating system, so the hardware itself does not need to have strong processing capabilities. From a security point of view, thin clients are equivalent to small PCs and therefore have the risk of infecting computer viruses. The X900 is not only not infected by the virus itself, but also on the server side, because it uses a variety of security mechanisms, it can fully guarantee the security of the system. From the power consumption point of view, the power consumption of ordinary thin clients is more than 10 times that of the X900. Therefore, thin clients are usually large in size, and sometimes they need to be equipped with a fan or a porous design on the chassis to facilitate heat dissipation. Because of its extremely low power consumption, the X900 does not require these heat sinks, and it also achieves excellent noise reduction. From the perspective of deployment and maintenance, thin clients need to install the embedded operating system locally. During the upgrade, each device must be upgraded one by one. The X900 can be plug-and-play, making deployment and maintenance easier. From the perspective of total cost of ownership, the overall cost of ownership of the X900 is only 1/3 to 1/2 of thin clients.

Li Shukai: Tianzhu Cloud Computer Services has already started a pilot in Shanghai. From the current situation, the desktop service uses the public cloud, and network bandwidth may be the biggest obstacle. How do you think about this issue?

Talking Tian Hao: This time I came to Beijing to attend the cloud computer service conference. I connected my cloud terminal and monitor to the Internet in the hotel room where I live, and I can access my desktop. The connection to the back office is just in Shanghai. Cloud data center. Thanks to our original CHP remote desktop presentation protocol, users can enjoy smooth video playback and interactive gaming experience even under 2MB bandwidth. CHP technology solves the problem of limited bandwidth, enabling home and individual users to use Tianzhu Cloud computer services without barriers.

CHP is an interactive protocol necessary to connect cloud terminals with resources in the cloud. CHP technology is an important part of cloud computing services. Through the CHP protocol optimization, even in the case of low bandwidth, or in high-latency WAN, we can guarantee users have a high-definition visual experience, in addition to ensure data security. With the continuous development of China's network infrastructure construction, the bandwidth and performance of the network will gradually increase. On this basis, we can provide users with large, complex 3D applications such as high-quality 3D games through cloud computers.

Tianyi Cloud Computer Services can manage desktops, data, and applications in a unified manner and deliver them in a unified manner through CHP technology. This improves access flexibility, ensures data consistency, and ensures business continuity and high availability.

Li Shuyi: One of the advantages of Tianyi Cloud Computer Service is that it can provide users with almost the same application experience as a local PC. What customer groups are currently targeted at Tianzhu Cloud Computer Services?

Talking about Tianzhu: At this stage, our cloud computer services, as well as software related to desktop applications and cloud terminal hardware devices, are mainly targeted at enterprise users. Some domestic energy companies, call centers, schools, government agencies, etc. are using Tianyi cloud computer services. In addition, we have partnered with a telecom operator to launch cloud computing services for individual users. At that time, individual users can go to the telecom business office to apply for cloud computing services.

We can now provide two modes of cloud computer services: one is a public cloud service mode, and the other is a hosted service mode. Some companies may worry that using cloud services to put data and applications in the cloud data center will pose a security risk. Once the user selects the hosted service model, we will prepare the necessary hardware and software for the user in the cloud data center, but the relevant resource management authority will be given to the user. This service model is similar to the traditional IDC management model. Users can strictly control the management of equipment and resources to eliminate security risks. Many companies want to protect their core data and prevent employees from doing anything unrelated to work when they go to work. Cloud computer service is very suitable for these users' needs.

Compared with PCs, cloud computer services have made a qualitative leap in security.

Our company currently employs about 100 people, including 3 full-time sales staff. At present, we do not invest a lot of resources in sales and marketing. Many of our existing customers are actively looking for the door. In the future, we plan to expand cloud computer services to major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. However, this year, we will focus on piloting cloud computing services in Shanghai because our cloud data center is built in Shanghai. We can provide services to users nearby, and the system is easier to debug and maintain.

Reducing the Application Threshold Li Shuhong: If more companies adopt Tianzhu Cloud PC services in the future, it will not only increase the flexibility of desktop applications, but also significantly reduce the cost of desktop applications.

Talking about Scorpio: Many companies are still keen to adopt VDI solutions. However, in the process of deploying VDI solutions, enterprises must use a lot of manpower and material resources. In addition, special engineers are required to maintain the VDI system. Cloud computer services can greatly reduce the entry barrier for desktop applications. No matter what kind of problems users encounter during use, we can quickly solve them online.

The main hardware device in the cloud computer service that we provide now is the cloud terminal, does not include the display. However, we are negotiating with some manufacturers for cooperation and hope to manufacture our own desktop integrated device. By the end of 2012, our desktop all-in-one devices will be available.

In addition, we are also working with partners to develop cloud terminals with WiDi capabilities and more interfaces for connecting multiple displays and wireless devices. It can be imagined that if there is such a cloud terminal, smart TVs, PCs, laptops, and various mobile terminals in the home will all be connected, then the good ideas of the digital home will become reality.

Li Shuzheng: According to your introduction, we can clearly see that cloud computer services have their own unique advantages over thin clients, VDI, etc. We also believe that cloud computing services will be a trend for the future. The architecture and application of cloud computing determine that computing, storage and other processes will be completed in the cloud, and terminal devices will be more and more intelligent, and will be more and more simple to use. Since everyone is convinced that this is a development trend in the future, there will inevitably be more manufacturers entering the field of desktop applications. In the face of these potential competitors, where do you think Tianyi’s biggest competitive advantage lies?

Talking Tianhao: In the market of desktop applications and services, we have the first-mover advantage. Whether in terms of technological innovation or innovation in service concepts, we are all ahead of our competitors.

In fact, in every subdivided product market, especially in the service market, this first-mover advantage is very beneficial to the future development of the company.

Some manufacturers are unable to provide cloud computer services, mainly because they do not have CHP technology. CHP technology can effectively realize the interaction between the data center and the cloud computer, with high security, high-definition experience, low-bandwidth connectivity, support for 2D/3D image display and other functions, can fully optimize the system's performance and reduce the demand for bandwidth. We have accumulated many years of CHP technology. Even if competitors want to develop similar technologies and products, they cannot surpass us in a short time. In a few years, when the number of users of cloud computing services reaches a certain scale and cloud computing services have a certain brand awareness, it is even harder for competitors to surpass us.

We have entered the "post-PC" era. In this era, a notable feature is that traditional IT is marginalized, and PCs are being strongly impacted by new end products such as the iPad. Now, while many traditional PC manufacturers are talking about business transformation, the core of their business is the PC. At least in the short term, these PC makers are unlikely to abandon their PC business and move into the emerging market of cloud computing services.

Shushu Li: What are your expectations for the future development of cloud computing services?

Talking about Tianzhu: From the current situation, Chinese users' understanding of cloud computing services is still in its infancy. The outbreak of cloud computer service market should be in the next years.

In addition to innovations in technology and application models, Tianyi Cloud Computer is a green solution. For example, the power consumption of the Tianzhu cloud terminal is only 3W, while the power consumption of an ordinary lamp is 2W. According to our calculations, if China replaces 10 million PCs per year with Tianyi Cloud Computer, the total amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction will exceed 5.6 million tons.

We will always adhere to this core philosophy and commitment - to provide everyone with quality IT services. In terms of product and service strategy, we will continue to focus on desktop applications and services in recent years.

The reporter's notes on the "post-PC" era of technological and service innovations may be said by the "post-PC" era that PC makers are embarrassed, but this is indeed the case - in the field of desktop applications, PC is gradually losing its dominance, terminal equipment The era of pluralism has come. With the rise of new technologies and applications such as mobile Internet and cloud computing, mobile terminals such as tablet PCs and smart phones are rapidly entering our work and life, and will profoundly change our work and lifestyle.

As the Tianye company chairman Tan Tianyi said, the concept of the PC will change greatly. In the era of cloud computing, people may no longer need computers. As long as there are networks, interfaces, and cloud-machine switching interfaces, they can access the Internet. Whether it is office, learning or entertainment, it can all be done on the cloud. The cloud computing service model will become the norm. What people talk about most will no longer be how to buy and configure hardware and software. After clarifying their own application needs, people can obtain various resources needed by purchasing services.

In the "post-PC" era, desktop applications will focus on cloud computing as a core technology and service model innovation. Now, more and more Internet companies are beginning to get involved in the field of smartphones. In fact, in their eyes, mobile terminals are not the most important. How to bundle their services with mobile phones is the key to achieving rapid growth of their businesses. Tianyi cloud computer service is the spark of collision between cloud computing and desktop applications. In the “post-PC” era, innovations such as Tianfu Cloud Computer Services will continue to be staged.