HP beefs up mid-market servers

HP has revamped its line of servers and software for medium-sized companies.

The servers will be bundled with software and services tailored for companies which need larger systems but lack the IT resources to manage them.

HP will unveil four rack-mounted ProLiant server models offering new processors and larger storage capacities than their predecessors.

New software includes an updated version of HP's Lights Out tool which allows the servers to be managed remotely.

The software and hardware bundles will form a key part of the vendor's strategy, according to John Gromala, director of ProLiant server product marketing at HP.

Gromala told www.vnunet.com that the new servers will be offered with "blueprint" software bundles tailored for Microsoft Exchange Server or Citrix.

HP has also released new C3000 blade servers. First announced in September, the so-called 'Shorty' servers are all-in-one designs designed for branch offices and remote locations.

While both products are aimed at the mid-market, Gromala does not envisage the C3000 taking sales away from the more traditional ProLiant line.

The C3000 is a standalone system, whereas the ProLiant servers are designed to replace existing hardware or add new features to existing systems.

"You get a complete infrastructure integration in the C3000," Gromala explained. "These systems are purpose built for a given solution that people can integrate."