Server chips in free hardware
Zenith introduces an Intel-based multiprocessor server packaged with free hardware, including an extra processor at no cost.
The company, a subsidiary of Packard Bell-NEC, says the Z-Server HX is being targeted for applications such as Internet and intranet sites, as well as data warehousing.
For a limited time, the company is conducting a "buy one processor, get one free" offer. The Z-Server HX comes with one to four 200-MHz Pentium Pro processors, each with 512KB secondary cache. For the price of a uniprocessor system, early purchasers will receive a dual-processor system.
Zenith is also including a RAID controller at no extra cost. RAID--which stands for redundant array of inexpensive disks--is a technology used to provide backup protection for vital data. The controller on the Z-Server HX has 4MB of disk cache for improved data integrity and overall performance, in addition to the use of Ultra Wide SCSI to speed hard disk access.
Other features include multiple hot-swappable power supplies and support for up to 2GB of high-quality ECC memory to ensure a high degree of system availability. Twelve hot-swappable drive bays support up to 100GB of in-cabinet storage. As with all Z-Servers, the company includes its own server management software that helps a system administrator monitor the servers operating condition.
The price of the dual-processor system with RAID under the limited offer is $13,824. After the introductory offer is ended, the Z-Server HX pricing will begin at $15,000. The systems are currently available.