HP ups ante with four-processor blades

HP this week is introducing the first four-processor blade servers, aimed at integration into data centers running large databases and CRM and ERP applications.

The ProLiant BL40p server blade uses an Intel Xeon processor operating at 900 MHz. It works in companion with HP’s BL one- and two-processor blades, which are suitable for first- or second-tier Web or application server use.

The BL40p is capable of connecting to a Fibre Channel storage-area network (SAN). It includes a mezzanine board or separate host bus adapter blade that connects it to the SAN switch, which in turn, connects to the Fibre Channel storage array.

The company also upgraded its two-processor BL20p and BL10e servers, adding Intel’s latest Xeon processor.

The company claims it has shipped more than 15,000 ProLiant blades since they were introduced the end of 2001.

The BL40p fits in the same 6U enclosure as the two-processor blades, allowing customer to intermix servers.

IT managers can manage any of HP’s ProLiant blades with HP ProLiant Essentials, Insight Manager or HP OpenView software. In addition, the ProLiant Essentials Rapid Deployment Pack is available, which helps with server provisioning and distribution and deployment of applications.

The ProLiant BL40p, which HP expects to ship in March, starts at $9,000. The BL20p starts at $3,400, while the BL10e starts at $1,860. The BL10e is available immediately.