Dell launches servers, workstations and desktops
Dell enhanced its ninth-generation PowerEdge servers and Dell Precision workstations with quad-core processors.
Quad-core Intel Xeon processors have been added to the two-socket Dell PowerEdge 1900, 1950, 2950, 2900, SC1430 and 1955 blade server models. Customers can now configure the two-socket Dell Precision 690 and Dell Precision 490 workstations with quad-core Intel Xeon processors, while the single-socket Dell Precision 390 workstation supports the Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor.
Dell’s server portfolio is designed to deliver customer-driven industrial design enhancements for improved manageability such as a programmable LCD, individually labeled hard drives and standardized color coding and cabling. Dell ImageWatch is a service that helps customers proactively manage the number of changes to system images, available in a block-release format further reducing the number of image changes to manage.
Dell PowerEdge servers feature fully buffered dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), serial-attached SCSI (SAS) hard drives, a TCP/IP Offload Engine and PCI-Express I/O.
Dell also announced Precision 690 and Dell Precision 490 workstations. The Dell Precision 690 workstation is configurable with up to five hard drives, the Dell Precision 490 workstation up to three, and the Dell Precision 390 workstation up to four. Additionally, each offers a choice of NVIDIA and ATI graphics options.
Dell also announced the OptiPlex 740 with AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core processors. It features built-in security with preloaded tools enable administrators to configure and manage data encryption, providing Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2-enabled password protection, secure e-mail, and optional smart-card keyboards and biometric readers. The entry-level OptiPlex 320, meanwhile, offers Intel Pentium D dual-core processors as well as discrete graphics options with dual-display support.
The Dell PowerEdge 1950, 2900, 2950, SC1430 and 1955 blade servers start at $2,6458, $3,2398, 3,0458, $2,4758 and $2,2998 respectively. Dell Energy Smart-enabled OptiPlex 740 with AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core processor starts at $725, and the OptiPlex 320 with a Pentium D 820 processor start at $585. Both carry a standard three-year limited warranty and Next-Business Day on-site service.
IBM eyes digital surveillance market
IBM introduced the Smart Surveillance System (S3). S3 is designed to provide the capability to carry out efficient data analysis of video sequences either in real time or from recordings. Based on open standard middleware, the S3 platform allows for the monitoring and analysis of real-world events via multiple sensors, including video cameras, radar, chemical sensors or audio inputs. The S3 platform can also integrate technologies from multiple vendors.
S3 features real-time alarms anticipate incidents by identifying suspicious behaviours. Forensic capabilities are enhanced by utilizing indexing and attribute-based search of video events to classify objects into categories such as people and cars Situational awareness of the location, identity and activity of objects in a monitored space including license plate recognition and face capture.
IBM Digital Video Surveillance provides an integrated video surveillance and security solution that can include components such as cameras, digital video recorders, servers, storage systems, software and network devices. For example, IBM Digital Video Surveillance leverages industry standard platforms, such as IBM BladeCenter, System x servers, System Storage and enterprise-wide networks to enable wider access to video, real-time video analytics and implementation of an enterprise video system. In addition, IBM Tivoli Storage Manager automates data backup and restore functions, supports a broad range of platforms and storage devices, and centralizes storage management operations.
HP offers tool for virtualized environments
HP introduced the HP Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), which combines HP hardware and management software with services and partner components, such as VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.
HP VDI supports dozens of virtual clients on a single HP ProLiant server or HP BladeSystem server blade, and delivers a PC computing environment that can be accessed from HP thin clients, desktops and notebooks. The servers use existing network switches and wide area network (WAN) infrastructure and leverage server-class high availability for data security and enhanced business continuity.
The solution also includes HP Systems Insight Manager and ProLiant Essential tools to unify management of virtual and non-virtual machines. To meet their storage needs, customers can use HP StorageWorks storage area network, network attached storage and HP Modular Smart Array direct attached storage solutions.
HP Services completes the offering with VMware Capacity Planner assessment, installation and startup, consulting and integration, educational and financial services, and hardware and software technical support.
