14 DAY TRIAL // Following the earlier reports this week, Round Rock, Texas-based Dell has officially announced today the introduction of its new “ultra-light” server, the XS11-VX8, specifically designed to meet the requirements of hyper-scale data center environments and I/O intensive applications, including Web hosting. One of the main features of Dell's new server is that it incorporates VIA's Nano processor, which will enable the former's customers to pack 12 servers into a single 2U chassis, consequently enabling an increase in computing power, while using less data space.
“A one-size fits all approach simply does not work for hyper-scale computing customers. The unique architecture of environments like Web hosting render unnecessary many of the system features required by mainstream IT. By working with VIA to design a high density, lower power system, Dell is designing for these customer’s specific needs, driving down costs and improving efficiency,” said Forrest Norrod, vice president and general manager of Dell’s Data Center Solutions division.
According to the company, the XS11-VX8 server, codenamed Fortuna, can enable up to 34 percent lower TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), compared to white-box client systems. Thanks to the adoption of VIA's low-power processor, the system is said to consume less than 15 watts while idle and 20-29 watts in full capacity and workload, which basically represents the lowest power draw in the industry. Additional features include a dedicated baseboard management controller (BMC), support for 64-bit operating systems and virtualization.
The launch of Dell's new XS11-VX8 is also a major step for chip maker VIA, which specializes in the development of low-power, x86 processors. Dell's server will allow VIA to be present on a market that has been generally monopolized by Intel and AMD.
“VIA is proud to work with Dell to bring the VIA Nano processor to markets that can take full advantage of our 64-bit advanced architecture, virtualization capabilities and industry leading power efficiency,” said Wenchi Chen, president and CEO, VIA Technologies, Inc. “The VIA Nano based Dell XS11-VX8 ultra light server will set a new benchmark for density, power draw and TCO for large scale data centers.”