Sun to roll-out new Nehalem-based servers

Sun is set to officially launch new servers built on Intel’s new Nehalem EP quad core chips after Tuesday, when it is set to launch a new Open Network System initiative.

In a statement on the firm’s site, Sun said its new Intel Xeon 550 Nehalem-based blade systems are “already powering the high-performance computing (HPC) systems at Sun customers throughout the world”.

“And even more customers will receive the first shipments of Sun's new Xeon 5500-based systems after Sun's April 14 unveiling in Las Vegas of the Open Network System,” the statement continued.

Intel officially launched its Nehalem-based Xeon chips for servers and workstations on March 31, promising increased power efficiency and improved performance in what was widely seen as the biggest overhaul of the platform for years.

Dell and HP have announced new enterprise-based Nehalem products, Cisco’s Unified Computing System is based on Nehalem servers, and Lenovo unveiled new Nehalem workstations.

Intel said that in addition to offering higher performance, Nehalem systems will consume up to 20 per cent less energy which, combined with the need for fewer servers, leads to reduced operating expenditure. However, the firm admitted there would be a “capital expenditure hit” to swallow.

Sun has meanwhile been the continued subject of acquisition talks with IBM. It appeared that IBM was set to buy the firm, after a lengthy period of due diligence, but is reported to have pulled out after Sun’s board is said to have balked at the deal and insisted on certain guarantees IBM was not prepared to fulfil.