Lenovo adds cloud security to ThinkPad and ThinkCentre lines

Lenovo is rolling out software support for cloud computing services via its ThinkPad and ThinkCentre ranges.

The Cloud Ready Clients (CRCs) include software to allow easier link-ups with public and private cloud networks, and are enabled with Secure Cloud Access (SCA) security software from Stoneware's webNetwork platform.

"For cloud computing to be truly effective, the cloud must recognise the client device and its capabilities, and the applications and resources have to be capable of exposing themselves to the cloud. That's why Lenovo CRC and SCA are a match made in heaven," said Rich Cheston, executive director and distinguished engineer at Lenovo.

"SCA levels the playing field between cloud application and devices by mirroring what users are already familiar with, while creating an easy management experience for IT staff."

The SCA package includes integration with SSL, Active Directory, eDirectory or LDAP services, and allows a secure signing-on point within public and private cloud infrastructures. Pricing is around $80 per client.

"It's a really interesting piece of software, kind of groundbreaking in its way," Roger Kay, president of analyst house Endpoint Technologies Associates, told V3.co.uk.

"The concept of cloud readiness is that it has the middleware layer ready to be enabled in such a fashion that the cloud service recognises a cloud-ready endpoint, and can then offer various services including security and Active Directory."

Kay added that, while Lenovo is limiting the software's deployment to its own ThinkPad and ThinkCentre ranges, there is scope in the future to extend it to other platforms.

The software offers significant advantages when tied to Intel's Sandy Bridge processor line, and other manufacturers will release similar cloud-optimised platforms, according to Kay.