Fujitsu targets SMB market with series of entry-level servers

Fujitsu has introduced a cluster of new servers for small companies, including a new entry-level design aimed at providing a first-time server for the smallest "micro" businesses.

Available to order now, the Primergy MX130 S2 is designed as a cost-effective, expandable and uncomplicated first server, while the Primergy TX100 S3 Standard and S3 Core Edition are designed as all-around entry-level servers for small business customers.

The two Primergy TX100 S3 models are based on Intel's Xeon E3-1200 processors, which are tailored specifically for entry-level servers, although Pentium, Celeron and Core 13 chips are optional.

Of the two, the TX100 S3 Standard is aimed at companies needing a fairly standard file, print and web server, and comes with Microsoft's Small Business Server Essentials 2011, an easy-configure platform that provides automated backup of computers on the network.

This model supports up to 32GB memory and four hard drives, with Sata Raid 5/6 optional.

Meanwhile, the TX100 S3 Core model is a tower server designed for "headless" operation, meaning that it does not need a keyboard, mouse or monitor and an administrator will access it via a remote screen session from another computer.

It comes with Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation, a cut-down version of Microsoft's enterprise server platform, up to 8GB memory and four hard drives.

For the very smallest companies, the Primergy MX130 S2 offers a more effective, business-class option for file-sharing and collaboration than having to rely on USB storage and email attachments, according to Fujitsu.

The company claims it is easy to operate even for non-IT specialists, thanks to the ServerView Installation Manager and ServerView management suite, which provide optimised system settings and status monitoring.

Specifications include AMD Phenom II, Athlon X2 or Sempron processors with up to 16GB memory, and it can be configured with up to four 3.5in or six 2.5in drives, with Sata Raid supported.

Operating system choices on the MX130 S2 are Small Business Server Essentials 2011, Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation or Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard.

Customers can alternatively choose Windows MultiPoint Server, which allows several users to share a single MX130 S2 by using terminals.

Pricing for the TX100 S3 models starts at £634, including two 500GB Sata hard drives, while the MX130 S2 pricing starts at £287.