HP Launches New Integrity Blade Systems

It’s the new HP Integrity blade server portfolio, and it’s coming to a channel near you. What’s the big deal? HP is launching this new line of products because it allegedly “Simplifies, unifies and automates computing from x86 to Superdome 2.” Interested in what this means for you, dear VAR? Read on…

According to the press release:

“HP is the only vendor delivering a unified BladeSystem platform that spans x86 to HP Superdome 2. As a result, HP clients can create data centers that allow them to spend less time on operations, and instead focus their resources on driving innovation to address business needs. “

So what’s all that really mean? I spoke to Mike McNerney, director, server planning and marketing, Business Critical Systems at HP and he gave me the low down. It started like this. HP asked themselves…

“How do we build out a common architecture? The value of integration is one of the core components of the architecture. [We want to] eliminate ‘silos’ in the data center. So commonality [becomes the] enabler of reducing cost. [We] accelerate business by eliminating the need to learn multiple system management” .

But it’s also two pronged attack. McNerney also explained that there’s also a level complexity that needs to be removed, and part of that is coupled with reliability and scalability. Part of what they’ve done is included a ‘new-non-feature’ (their words).

The new HP UX is shipping with the same OS it’s been shipping with since 2007. Just because there’s new hardware behind it doesn’t mean there needs to be a huge overhaul in software, according to HP. That helps with application and software transition too.

There’s also commonality in hardware. The new Superdome 2 is built around a common chassis and infrastructure of standard HP blade system chassis. They’ve just bumped it up to 9U. And what’s more, there’s commonality between hardware components. McNerney gave the example that PSU’s are the same across the hardware, so there’s no need worrying about custom hardware to keep on hand in case of failure. Just one piece of hardware fits all. There’s also ease in creating multiple-socket servers. The new Integrity blade servers have a special ability “Blade-Link” which — with the use of a special front plate — will interconnect blades for up to 8-socket systems.

“We’re looking to redefine how you scale in a blade chassis.”

The Integrity Blade systems are available immediately, while the Superdome 2 will be shipping in the 2nd half of 2010.

And for VARs? What opportunities abound? Of course, there’s the obvious: refresh. New architecture with a common OS is a great selling point: there’s nothing new to learn. The barrier of entry is reduce and McNerney thinks that VARs can quickly realize benefits. Expertise is already there if you’re familiar with HP, and there’s no need to become familiar with a new product line.

At least, that’s what HP claims. Do you agree?

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