Vendors say yes to Nocona technology
But channel gives mixed reception to launch
Channel players have given a mixed reception to the release last week of servers based on Intel Xeon extended memory 64bit 'Nocona' technology (EM64T).
Nocona allows users to run either 32bit or 64bit operating systems, while improving the memory address space, allowing them to move their memory-starved 32bit applications onto the new servers.
Intel claimed that Hewlett-Packard (HP), IBM, Acer, Dell, Fujitsu Siemens and Hitachi will all release products based on the technology.
IBM has refreshed its low-end xSeries Intel-based servers with new models: the x206 and x306 one-way servers; the x226, x236, x336 and x346 two-way servers; the Bladecenter HS20 blade server; and the IntelliStation Z Pro workstation.
"The market is more than ready for extending the Xeon options," said Tony John, eServer xSeries brand manager at IBM.
"[IBM] is not treating this as commoditised. It is also using it to take advantage of new embedded technologies."
HP has added several servers to its dual-processor ProLiant range. Four new standard servers, including two towers and two dense rack-based models, the ProLiant DL380 G4, the DL360 G4, the ML370 G4 and the ML35 G4, are available now.
Daniel Barrett, IBM business manager at Q Associates, said: "The difference [from other Nocona vendors] is the time to market. On release, IBM is providing a full spread."
Barrett added that customers will start to buy straight after launch, and in future will have no choice but to adopt 64bit.
But Robin Porter, IBM business manager at reseller Repton, said: "I don't think it will make a big difference. Either they're 64bit or they're not. It tends to be development houses that want 64bit."
Phil Dawson of analyst Meta Group said: "You will see [EM64T servers] adopted, but not optimised yet. This is more evolution than revolution."