Compaq will use Intel ultra low-voltage (ULV) processors, code-named Tualatin, as part of its forthcoming hyper-dense server architecture, code named QuickBlade, slated for the second half of the year.
The build-out of Internet infrastructure and trend to scale-out within the data center has created the need for greater numbers of servers, especially for edge of the network applications, such as media streaming, load balancing, caching, and firewall protection. The growing number of servers has led to increased computing and real estate operating costs and a stress on power consumption, creating the need to design server platforms to meet improved density, cost per transaction and power usage requirements.
Compaq and Intel are working together on new technologies and solutions to optimize floor space and provide increased server performance and reliability at reduced power consumption needs.
Today, Compaq, the company that defined the dense server space, is addressing the complex requirement for low power, high density, and high performance, said Mary McDowell, senior vice president and general manager, Compaq Industry Standard Server Group. Compaq will incorporate Intel’s ultra low voltage processor in our new hyper-dense ProLiant(TM) server architecture, code named QuickBlade, to provide server class performance, robustness and investment protection.
Intel Architecture delivers the flexibility to address all facets of the server market segment. As companies require powerful racks of front-end servers that conserve power consumption while increasing server density, Intel Architecture will be able to meet these needs, said Mike Fister, vice president and general manager of Intel’s Enterprise Platform Group. We are committed to delivering a choice of processors and chipsets for the high-density market segment, and are working closely with Compaq to continue delivering innovative, industry-leading solutions.
Intel Architecture allows IT managers the flexibility to choose the server platform that optimally meets their specific needs, ranging from the new density-optimized low power server platforms through to Pentium(R) III Xeon(TM) based 8-way and greater servers.
Meeting Low-Power Requirements Without Compromise
As customers reduce power consumption in their data center, Compaq’s QuickBlade architecture, utilizing Intel’s ULV processors, will deliver:
Robust and proven chipsets able to support full ECC (error correcting code) memory protection, memory expansion, and server-class I/O
Full support for the X86 instruction set-without emulation-meaning operating systems and applications achieve full functionality and performance
Existing industry-wide development tools and support for standard applications, making it easier for customers to incorporate the new server designs into their existing environments
Processor, chipset, and software roadmaps that ensure customers’ investment protection into the future
Today’s announcement marks the first phase of the two companies working together to address the needs of power consumption, hyper-density, and performance. Compaq and Intel are also committed to working together in the longer term to bring even greater value to customers as the market evolves, including enabling dual-processor capabilities in the QuickBlade architecture.
