Google Will Sell Dell Servers As Search Appliances

Google, having somewhat of a tradition of using Dell servers internally, will take its collaboration with the Austin based company a step forward by transforming Dell systems in core platforms for its own search appliances.

Dell's new PowerEdge sever line, featuring Intel Woodcrest processors will be the nucleus for a product that Google will resale as a high-performance search platform.

Google's search appliances are meant to serve business in managing internal documents and data bases. "We are serving as a supplier to Google," a Dell spokesman says. "We will put their brand on the front, so it's clearly Google's product. It will be our hardware and their software that we load for them. Ultimately it's their product they are providing to their customers."

The two companies enjoy a lasting partnership, signing just last month an agreement following which Dell will preinstall Google software, such as Google Toolbar and Google Desktop Search Product, on almost 100 million Dell computers.

At this time Dell controls a fifth of the market for x86 servers, suffering losses because of its tendency to focus on low-end servers, while the market is dominated by high-end products. According to Dell, its new servers offer increased performance and better power consumption being part of the company's strategy to recuperate 35% in share losses.