Lenovo entices IT Pros with Data Center News at Microsoft’s Ignite conference

While many developers and IT Pros had their focus drawn to the avalanche of Microsoft news announced during Ignite 2018, across the hill Lenovo unveiled its litany of Data Center Group updates as well.

On-site at Microsoft’s Ignite 2018 conference, PC partner Lenovo took the opportunity to announce updates to its portfolio of hybrid cloud solutions that include:

Lenovo’s addition to the Microsoft Azure Cloud Solutions Provider Program

As of September 14, 2018, Lenovo became a reselling partner of Microsoft’s Azure services to US clients. The new move enables Lenovo to offer its customers a secondary acquisition model that does not require clients to own Lenovo hardware to be a part of Lenovo’s “as-a-Service” platform.

New ThinkAgile MX Certified Nodes to accelerate adoption of Microsoft Windows Server Software-Defined (WSSD) solutions

Lenovo is also looking to boost Windows Server Software-Defined (WSSD) adoption with its new ThinkAgile MX Certified Nodes. Now clients can choose an economically scalable solution for their software-defined storage and hyper-converged needs, alongside their use of Windows Server.

ThinkAgile MX Certified Nodes will be commercially available for worldwide distribution on November 2, 2018, according to Lenovo.

SQL Server

In preparation of end-of-service (EOS) for Windows Server 2008, Lenovo is working with Microsoft to create “go-to-market” solutions that should help clients migrate to new alternatives. While Lenovo didn’t have anything concrete to demo, they are actively participating with Microsoft on its Data Modernization roadshow to clients as well as having a TPC-E benchmark performance and price/performance world record for SQL Server 2017, in their back pocket. Whatever Lenovo comes up with should be more than advantageous for IT Pros to adopt next year.

Hardware Buy Back Program

Ever wonder where outdated Lenovo devices go besides to an unlucky intern? Apparently, back to Lenovo, and the company wants to entice more developers and IT Pros to upgrade their hardware by introducing a new Data Center Buy Back Program. Other details of the Cash Back program include Fair Market Value for competitor hardware. Lenovo’s Data Center Buy-Back Program will also include free shipping, ecological salvage and NAID-certified data sanitation for those concerned with the refurbishing process.  ‘

With Lenovo’s hardware buyback program clients will receive cash back on eligible models and some will get additional cash back on the return of Microsoft Windows Server, SQL Server and CALs.

Support for Window’Can s Admin Center with Lenovo XClarity Software

Last but not least, Lenovo is set to provide clients with a management solution to an aging data center. Lenovo is working with Microsoft to modernize old and vulnerable data centers.

There is no word on when Clarity software will be generally as of right now.

However, anxious IT Pros and Developer can visit Lenovo’s press releases or blog, here.