HP releases new ProLiant servers
The company is launching three updated versions of its servers, including one that runs Intel's new Xeon MP chip.
The rack-mounted ProLiant DL320 and DL360 servers and the updated ProLiant DL580 are based on technology inherited from Compaq Computer, which merged with HP earlier this year.
The DL580 uses the latest Xeon MP chip and can increase application performance by 26 percent over previous versions of the machine, according to HP. The Xeon MP, formerly code-named Gallatin, is smaller and faster than the previous generation of Xeon MP chips and features more high-speed
The new DL580 machines are available now and cost $7,199.
The DL320 uses Intel's 2.26GHz Pentium 4 processor and is set to ship in mid-December for $1,449. The DL360, designed for space-constrained data centers and for applications such as Web hosting, also will be available in mid-December, for about $2,599.
The new servers are designed to take advantage of the latest HP technology to remotely control machines and to enhance memory. HP added that it was responding to customer demand for machines that can do more for less money.
"As budgetary pressures continue to force increased scrutiny of capital expenditures, customers need reliable and efficient solutions that provide tangible returns on their IT investments," said James Mouton, an HP vice president.
Size and cost are increasingly important. In the past, companies have had to rely on a few bulky servers containing many processors to run their computing operations.
HP remains the leading seller of Intel servers, although IBM and Dell Computer are increasing their market share. According to market researcher IDC, HP accounted for 32 percent of the $4.3 billion in sales of Intel servers during the third quarter, but its share of the market declined by 7 percent compared with the year-ago quarter. IBM controlled 17 percent of sales, an increase of 22 percent over the comparable quarter last year. And Dell claimed 21 percent, an 8 percent jump.