Last week at Cisco Live in Las Vegas, Samsung Electronics unveiled a zero client monitor using Cisco Universal Power Over Ethernet (UPOE) technology.

The Samsung NC220 monitor with Cisco UPOE powers and connects individual monitors via the network to a "virtualized" central server that executes all tasks and applications, offering businesses a flexible cloud computing alternative to the traditional workstation setup.

Samsung designed the NC220 with its new LED BLU technology, which promises bright and clear pictures on a slim design and reduces energy consumption when compared with conventional CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) monitors.

This desktop virtualization system reduces IT burden at every step. Software and security updates can be deployed in minutes from a centralized location, eliminating the need to service each individual workstation. Additionally, the Cisco UPOE technology is designed to enable that both data and power can be supplied through a single Ethernet cable, allowing for easier installation and more flexibility when configuring an office space.

Cisco UPOE can supply up to 60 watts of power?twice as much as existing power-over-Ethernet technologies, which is currently restricted to 30 watts.

"Cisco UPOE doubles the amount power delivered over the Ethernet to support many more devices, including the Samsung zero client desktop virtualization devices," said Jeff Reed, vice president of Cisco's Unified Access Business Unit. "Now the same Ethernet cable that provides network access will power Samsung's industry leading virtual desktop devices - dramatically simplifying deployment and management of these devices."

Enterprises can save additional energy by implementing Cisco's EnergyWise to better manage and monitor the power consumption of IT devices powered and connected to their Cisco network.

Zero client monitors like the Samsung NC220 are server-based monitors for businesses' cloud computing systems. These products eliminate the need for local CPU, memory and storage at each individual workstation; instead, the monitor is connected via the network to a central server that executes tasks traditionally handled by a desktop PC.

Samsung and Cisco have been working togetherto embed the Cisco UPOE on the Samsung NC220 since the two companies entered into an alliance earlier this year.