Dell unveils dual-core servers

Dell has unveiled four-processor systems equipped with Intel’s dual-core technology and integrated with Microsoft’s SQL Server 2005.

Customers can place orders now for the PowerEdge 6800 and 6850 servers, which will ship in two weeks. In addition to SQL Server, the systems come with the 32/64-bit editions of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Prices start at around $6,400.

Federal customers can use the servers in consolidation efforts, said David Bailey, a regional manager with Dell Federal’s Advanced Systems Group.

In dual-core technology, two logical processor cores are combined on a single chip, an approach that improves performance without increasing the server's physical size or significantly boosting power consumption. Dell cited another plus for consolidation: Intel’s Virtualization Technology, which now ships with its dual-core Xeon Processor MP. Virtualization lets organizations consolidate multiple operating systems and application stacks on a single server.

“In the federal market, the combination of multicore technologies can help reduce the floor space and infrastructure needed to contain a modern data center,” Bailey said.

He added that Dell will offer SQL Server 2005, which debuts next week, either prepackaged on the PowerEdge servers or through existing licensing agreements.

Neil Hand, Dell’s vice president of worldwide enterprise marketing, said the server announcement marks the continued expansion of the company’s services portfolio. He said Dell will provide tools to help customers move to the new generation of server and database technology.

For example, Dell will provide a SQL Server 2005 sizing tool that provides configuration recommendations based on a customer’s database requirements.

Hunt Miller, an engineer at Apptis, said Dell’s new servers will increase the appeal of migrating enterprise databases from more expensive platforms and software. Apptis offers Dell products through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Procurement of Computer Hardware and Software-2 contract.