Dell completes server line-up for SMEs, enterprise workgroups

Dell SA has introduced the PowerEdge 1500SC, the latest addition to its line of network servers for small and medium-sized businesses, corporate departments and workgroups. With this introduction, Dell completes its PowerEdge SC server family, which drives down the costs of server computing for the workgroup.

Simultaneously, Dell announced that Red Hat Linux 7.2 is to be made available as a factory-installed option across its entire range of PowerEdge servers and Precision workstations. This option provides an alternative for a cost-effective networking infrastructure and development platform for many of today`s most common business applications.

With prices starting at approximately R14 230 (operating system sold separately), the dual-processor PowerEdge 1500SC offers business customers a cost-effective and powerful server for e-mail, Internet access and file-sharing.

This server is the first in Dell`s PowerEdge SC line to feature ServerWorks` HE-SL chipset, which supports a 1.13GHz Intel Pentium III processor. The server also features Intel`s PRO/1000 XT network connection on the motherboard, which enables the PowerEdge 1500SC to transfer up to one billion bits of data per second (one gigabit per second) over common copper wires. The 1500SC comes standard with ECC memory and hot-plug hard drives as well as providing optional support for advanced RAID and hot-plug, redundant power supplies. Previously, customers could get these features only on more costly midrange-class servers.

"Small businesses and large enterprise customers will be well-served with the performance, expandability and availability features of the PowerEdge 1500SC," says Sean Wainer, enterprise product manager at Dell SA. "Each of our PowerEdge SC servers features the latest relevant technology delivered direct to customers through Dell`s efficient direct business model."

The PowerEdge 1500SC is available with factory installation of Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 and Red Hat Linux 7.2. For simplified deployment and management, the server features Dell`s OpenManage Server Assistant system management software for easy, on-site operating system installation. The PowerEdge 1500SC also provides server-class manageability through embedded features such as temperature, fan and voltage monitoring, as well as a hardware monitor that automatically reboots the system should the operating system fail.

According to Wainer, Dell offers customers a diverse suite of enterprise computing services for rapid deployment and system uptime. "Services available for the PowerEdge 1500SC include Custom Factory Integration of operating systems and software applications, onsite server installation, next-business-day response and 7x24 direct line software support of operating systems, systems management and select Microsoft applications." Additional information on the PowerEdge 1500SC is available at www.dell.com/poweredge.