ANTenna Blog -- Hardware & Software

The new 3400 series Xeon server processors are designed for 1U entry-level servers, and Dell has responded with four new 1-socket servers using the new chips, starting at less than $600. Plus new NAS storage and 28 new power supplies.

Don't Miss: Intel Revs Nehalem, Intros Lynnfield Chips

Sean Phelan, Director, Global Commercial Channels for Dell, describes the $599 PowerEdge T110 as "My First Server" for many SMBs. For company's who want their "my first server" in a rack-mounted configuration, the $799 PowerEdge R210 delivers similar functionality in a 15.5-inch rack form factor suitable for narrow server closets. Phelan says Dell paid special attention to acoustics on these models, as workers in small offices may be sitting very close to the units.

The PowerEdge T110 Server. The T stands for "tower."

Slightly up the food chain, the PowerEdge T310 tower is a more scalable, more redundant alternative to the T110, staring at $799. Phelan says it's targeted at midsize businesses, remote offices, and retail locations. It features an LCD screen that makes it easier to see error codes and other key information.

The PowerEdge R510 is a rack mounted system for midsize companies and branch offices with room for a 24-inch chassis. It can be configured with 4 to 8 drives, and an 8-drive configuration is coming later this year. It also has an LCD screen. Due to ship in October, pricing has not yet been set.

According to Sally Stevens, Dell's vice president of platform marketing, all the models use the "same design language" as the 2-socket PowerEdge Xeon servers Dell introduced earlier this year, and use similar I/O ports and power supplies. They all also share Dell's Lifecycle Controller 1.2, which pre-installs all the drivers needed to speed installation. And they all support Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2.

Also shipping in October is the PowerVault NX 300 entry-level networked attached storage (NAS) box. Larry Hart, Dell's worldwide senior manager, says built-in default settings mean the 4-bay device can be installed in "less than 15 minutes." It also features, single-instance storage, Hart says, a form of deduplication. "When multiple users store the same document," he explains, only one is actually stored, while the others are pointers to the original. "Users see no difference," Hart says. The $3,000 NX 300 currently holds 4 TB -- 8 TB versions will be available as high-capacity drives become available.

Dell PowerVault NX 300 Network Attached Storage

To protect all these products, and other equipment, Dell is also introducing 28 new Dell-branded Uninterruptible Power Supply products. Not sure why they needed 28, but they boast up to 95% efficiency ratings and can work with the Dell Management Console for remote management. They are due to ship in October, at prices starting at $269.

Only one of the 28 new Dell-branded UPS. What do the other 27 look like?

Finally, Dell also announced a new service offering -- the ProConsult Remote Virtualization Readyness Assessment -- designed to help SMBs explore their virtualization options before committing to it. Pricing for the dedicated consultant is "custom for each customer" Hart said, but "appropriately sized for SMBs," whatever that means.

Phew, that's a lot of stuff. And of course other server manufacturers will soon be rolling out their new SMB-oriented boxes based on the Intel Xeon 3400 series chips. Super Micro has already announced theirs, and you can bet everyone else will have competing models.

More From bMighty:

• Dell Rolls Out New Servers, Storage, Services In Drive For "Efficiency"
• What Intel's Nehalem Servers Mean To SMBs

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