Overview of the Computing Environment

This particular computing environment is a thin client system employing DIR's THiNC desktop virtualization solution, which has a proven track record in a host of applications within the Daiwa Securities Group. The system platform for THiNC utilizes a cloud environment that is designed, constructed, and operated in compliance with the Alliance Cloud, a standardized cloud model certified by the Global Alliance for User-driven Cloud Computing. A virtual desktop environment will be accessible from each thin client terminal and applications needed for carrying out word processing and work on spreadsheets will be available for use just like on regular computers.

The environment is composed of Fujitsu hardware, including PRIMERGY x86 servers, ETERNUS storage systems, and LIFEBOOK notebook PCs. A total of 150 terminals are currently in operation at the Central Bank of Myanmar's office in Yangon. For enhanced security, a secure printing system has been introduced that uses the Fujitsu PalmSecure palm vein authentication technology.

The bank's local area network is being developed by KDDI, which boasts a lengthy track record of delivering solutions in Southeast Asia, as well as experience in supporting the construction of offices for many Japanese corporations in Myanmar. Within the bank's building, from access points to individual terminals, connections are made via a wireless LAN that maintains the same high security standards that can be found in Japan. Moreover, in light of Myanmar's unstable supply of power, the system incorporates capabilities such as uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality.

System Overview

By leveraging the know-how in building and operating systems in Myanmar gained through this project, Fujitsu, DIR and KDDI will strive to meet the demand for ICT in Myanmar, which is expected to grow considerably in the future. As a result, the companies will support the country's continued development through the provision of leading-edge services and solutions with Japan-level quality and high reliability.

About the Global Alliance for User-driven Cloud Computing

The Global Alliance for User-driven Cloud Computing is an effort spanning multiple companies that pursues, and implements via cloud computing, ICT services that meet the needs of users from a user-driven perspective. One main priority of these activities is to bring together multiple cloud platforms configured with a diversity of devices and software and develop a framework for sharing surplus resources among these various platforms.

To meet this goal, the Global Alliance for User-driven Cloud Computing is collaborating with a wide range of vendors to test cloud platform technologies capable of running as mission-critical systems. As part of this initiative, the group is working to develop virtualization technologies and establish operating guidelines that can help to assimilate differences between devices used among each platform. It is also building a framework that will benefit both users and vendors by providing feedback to vendors regarding problems discovered during the tests.

As one example of how the results of these tests have been put to use, in November 2011 operations commenced for Japan's first hybrid cloud platform, compliant with the Alliance Cloud. The new platform is operated from Fujitsu's Tatebayashi System Center and is connected to Daiwa Institute of Research's own datacenter. In addition, in October 2012, two verification centers in Kanagawa and Osaka were connected and are currently holding continuous tests using the latest technologies, including the construction and verification of a fully automatic disaster recovery system between the two datacenters.

There are currently three participant companies that form the Global Alliance for User-driven Cloud Computing: Daiwa Institute of Research Holdings Ltd., NS Solutions Corporation, and Panasonic Information Systems Co., Ltd. Going forward, the society plans to continue promoting the development of cloud platforms and ICT services that are easy to use for users inside and outside of Japan, with an eye toward expanding its efforts in Myanmar and other Asian countries.