Tech News - IBM, Dell Unveil Xeon Servers

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IBM, Dell Unveil Xeon Servers

08/02/2004

Server specialists IBM and Dell are among the manufacturers introducing products based on Intel's X86 platform, providing an additional boost for next-generation 64-bit computing systems.

IBM has unveiled a new line of eServer xSeries systems and new TotalStorage offerings based on Intel's Xeon processors with 64-bit extensions. The introduction of this chip marks a significant step in the evolution of businesses from the current standard 32-bit mode to next-generation 64-bit computing.

Innovation Matters

IBM's eight new products represent the largest launch in volume for the IBM eServer xSeries line since its inception four-years ago. IBM unveiled a new blade server, workstation, one-way and two-way servers.

With Intel making 64-bit extensions ubiquitous across the X86 server space, a major shift is occurring in the industry, said Stuart McRae, marketing manager for IBM's eServer xSeries. "Innovation matters again," he told NewsFactor, "and we believe that it's not just the processor, but what resides around it."

McRae cited IBM's Calibrated Vectored Cooling technology, a blade server with 64-bit extensions, and new TotalStorage systems to integrate rack-mounted servers as examples of features that differentiate the company from its rivals.

The 64-Bit Revolution

Not to be outdone, Dell has taken the wraps off a new line of PowerEdge servers powered by the Xeon processors 64-bit extension. The new products include dual-processor PowerEdge 1800, 1850, 2800, 2850 servers and Open Manage 4 systems management software.

The servers will come with Microsoft Windows Server 2003 (32-bit edition) and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 (32/64-bit edition). The PowerEdge 1850 and 2850 models are available now, with the 1800 and 2800 versions expected in October.

Widespread acceptance of the Xeon chip demonstrates that Intel is keeping pace with competitor AMD and its Opteron 64-bit chip technology, said Gordon Haff, an analyst with Illuminata. "It's a natural progression of the X86 server and the 64-bit systems growth path," he told NewsFactor.

While IBM may have the most experience with 64-bit computing, as an early adopter of the Opteron, the company has focused on Intel chips of late, the analyst said -- as has Dell.

Most of the 64-bit computing being done now is for specialized, high-performance applications, but Haff said that as more business applications are upgraded, they will be built to support the new technology.

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