Sun launches x86 64-bit server range

By Steve Malone

Posted on 13 Sep 2005 at 10:47

Sun Microsystems has announced its new range of 64-bit x86-compatible servers, codenamed 'Galaxy'.

Powered by dual core AMD Opteron processors, the new range represents another shift in the company from its traditional platform of proprietary SPARC processors and Solaris to industry standard hardware and software.

In the fierce battle for the mid-range server market Sun has been gradually losing market share to IBM, HP and Dell, since the high water mark of the dot com boom. By focussing its attention to competing on lower cost industry standard platforms, Sun hopes to regain some of its lost momentum.

As standard, the Sun Fire x64 range runs the Solaris 10 operating system although it can also run Linux and Windows. The entry-level Sun Fire X2100 is a single rack-unit, up to 2-way server with the Solaris 10 OS, an AMD Model 146 Opteron processor and 512 MB memory all for a remarkably low cost $745.

Moving up the range, the Sun Fire X4100 version is supplied with the Solaris 10 OS, one AMD Opteron processor Model 248, and 1Gb memory and costs $2,195. Finally, the Sun Fire X4200 is equipped with Solaris 10, one AMD Opteron processor Model 248and 1Gb memory costs $2,595. The company says it is working on large models in the range with eight dual-core processors, which will allow customers to standardise on a single server platform from entry- to enterprise-level.

Finally, to demonstrate the continuing love-in between the two former rivals, Sun is announcing a System Service Plan for Microsoft Windows Server. The Service will offer engineering and support teams to provide Microsoft Windows Server assistance for the Sun Fire x64 servers.

For those who can get down there, Sun is organising a UK launch of the new range at London's County Hall on Thursday 14 September. More details at the Sun UK website.