Sun to roll out new Nehalem-based servers

Sun is launching new servers based on Intel's Nehalem platform

Sun Microsystems is to officially launch servers built on Intel's new Nehalem EP quad-core chips this week, along with a new Open Network System initiative.

The company claimed that its new Intel Xeon 5500 Nehalem-based blade systems are "already powering the high-performance computing 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 31 March, 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-based 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 that there would be a "capital expenditure hit" to swallow.

Sun, meanwhile, has 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 baulked at the deal and insisted on certain guarantees IBM was not prepared to fulfil.