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Archive for the ‘Vitualisation’ category

Hosted Sage

May 14th, 2010

Hosted Sage Solutions

Hosted Sage solutions are not a new concept. For years companies have outsourced their Sage solutions to data farms just like SAP users.

However, due to technology advances and licensing models introduced and developed over the last 24 months, hosted Sage solutions are becoming a much more viable solution.

Ancar B Technologies has been working with major UK Sage Partners in deploying Hosted Sage Solutions for several years in physical environments. However, due to developments in virtualization technology, we also offer solutions within a Private Cloud.

Cost Reductions

Microsoft in recent years released a licensing model that allows companies to “Rent” Microsoft licenses based upon monthly usage which allows for low cost deployment of hosted services and has created the increase in deployment of such services.

Unfortunately, Sage still operates a policy where the software has to be owned by the user outright for its deployment.

So, with the cost savings with Virtualization and the Microsoft License Agreements, the initial Capital Expenditure is reduced to the costs associated directly with the procurement of the Sage software.

Sage 50 to Sage 1000

Don’t forget Sage 200 and Sage Line 500 either! They can all be hosted remotely. Sage 50 can be deployed in a single virtual server config using Server 2008 and Remote Apps to offer extremely cost effective solutions. These are hosted within Ancar B’s “Customer Cloud”.

Larger deployments of Sage are hosted within Private Clouds dedicated for each customer, offering high data security and availability.

Hosted Sage ERP, CRM and ACT!

The benefits don’t just end with the Account ranges. With all the applications now turning into Web Services, the Sage ERP, CRM and ACT! solutions can also be deployed in a virtual or cloud environment.

Read more about Ancar B Technologies Hosted Sage Solutions.

Windows XP Mode on Windows 7

April 20th, 2010

Application support and compatibility has always been a major obstacle for end users when considering Operating System upgrades. This has always been the case with Microsoft Windows. However with the advent of Windows 7, Microsoft have taken the extra initiative and put some real thought into the problem.

Backwards compatibility prevented many companies from deploying Windows XP upon it’s release in 2002 as the NT Kernel changes meant that many applications were no longer compatible with the mainstream Operating Systems at the time.

By utilizing Virtualisation, Microsoft are have pretty much guaranteed that a correctly spec’d Windows 7 PC will still run your “Legacy” applications from Windows XP.

The Windows 7 “XP Mode” runs a Windows XP Virtual Machine on your Windows 7 desktop using Microsoft’s Virtual PC technology. When up and running, you can install your legacy applications inside your Windows XP knowing they will work. Once installed on your XP VM, you will find them conveniently located in your Windows 7 start menu and able to be run on your usual desktop.

Windows XP Mode Applications available from your Windows 7 Start Menu

I must also warn, that NOT ALL applications will be able to be run from your Windows 7 start menu, but they can still be operated from within your Windows XP Mode VM.

So, what’s required to be able to run the Windows XP Mode?

Hardware wise you need at least 2GB or RAM in your computer, and a Processor that supports Chip-Level Virtualisation. Does your CPU support Virtualisation? Use “Securable” to find out.

Additionally you will need to install the Windows XP Mode updates for your Windows 7 PC from Microsoft. There is a link for that here. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx

So, with a little forward planning and testing, deploying Windows 7 across your organisation need not be the headache usually associated with OS Upgrades. I would also suggest speaking with your IT Support company/department to ensure your network will accept Windows 7 clients before pushing to test it.

Please Note:- The XP Virtual Machine WILL require security to prevent the same threats as your desktop PC. i.e. Antivirus.