HP Net rack expands to meet demand

Hewlett Packard) has launched a plug-and-play internet storage rack that offers end-users expandable hard disk capacity on demand.

Hewlett Packard (HP) has launched a plug-and-play internet storage rack that offers end-users expandable hard disk capacity on demand.

Resellers, internet service providers and ASPs can use e-Utilica to host applications and provide additional storage space and services, the company claimed.

E-Utilica comprises an administration rack, multiple processor racks and/or storage racks. The administration rack, which connects the processors to the internet, offers high-level security, management and administration.

The processor racks can hold up to 20 CPUs.

"HP e-Utilica offers service providers flexibility to meet the changing needs of customers," said Matt Oberdorfer, global marketing manager for HP's technical computing division.

"The ability to offer storage capacity is a key competitive advantage for service providers who want to offer customers innovative ways to control costs."

Jim Gutowski, vice-president of networking reseller Cohere's manufacturing and engineering division, said: "Our first impression of HP e-Utilica was that it was a perfect fit. We are able to instantly ignite resources and to allocate those resources dynamically to our customers. It gave us a new way to reach customers."

E-Utilica is compatible with Unix, Windows and Linux platforms. Available now, it has an estimated US street price starting at $500,000 (£342,000).

In addition, the vendor has released HP Instant Support, a free online self-help tool designed to diagnose desktop and laptop problems.