IBM's new xSeries and BladeCenter servers run on dual 64-bit Intel Xeon processors and employ an integrated 2MB L2 cache. They also possess IBM's Calibrated Vectored Cooling.

In an I.T. department that manages racks upon racks of servers, IBM says the power savings could be as high as 24 percent.

IBM unveiled five new servers equipped with 64-bit Xeon processors, as well as added power-saving and cooling capabilities. Big Blue says the features of its eServer xSeries and BladeCenter systems set them apart from its rivals' products.

IBM has been digging in for a stronger position in the server market, where it has taken share from Hewlett-Packard and Sun in the mid-range and high-end turf. With its Intel-based machines, the world's biggest computer company is eyeing the volume market now dominated by Dell .

IBM says its new machines -- the xSeries 226, 236, 336 and 346, and the IBM eServer BladeCenter HS20 -- will be available by the end of the month.

Power Savings
IBM's new xSeries and BladeCenter servers run on dual 64-bit Intel Xeon processors and employ an integrated 2MB L2 cache. The new Xeon-based servers exhibit a significant advance in the extended design of the devices inspired by the company's mainframes. IBM's Demand Based Switching technology saves processing power by adjusting to the needs of the system.

The servers also possess IBM's Calibrated Vectored Cooling, another feature originally found in its high-end machines. In an I.T. department that manages racks upon racks of servers, IBM says the power savings could be as high as 24 percent.

$500 Server
Such extended design makes IBM's box different and better than those made by competitors, claims Stuart McRae, IBM worldwide marketing manager for xSeries servers. "The market is very dynamic," he told NewsFactor. "There's a lot going on from the open power movement to 64-bit chips in a $500 server -- through it, we've demonstrated a stable business."

Researcher IDC reported for the third quarter of 2004 that Hewlett-Packard was the No. 1 server maker in the world in terms of number of units shipped. But IBM was No. 1 in revenue. IBM and Dell showed strong growth in the Intel-based chip category. Big Blue posted a growth rate of 26 percent compared to the year ago quarter.

"We think we have the right products compared to HP and Dell," said McRae

From Newsfactor