HP plugs in new Net servers

Hewlett-Packard (HWP) is introducing two new entry-level Unix servers targeted as Internet servers for small and medium-sized businesses and is lowering prices on existing systems in response to inroads made to the Unix market by Intel-based servers running Windows NT.

The new "D" models in the HP 9000 series are offered as "business-ready" Internet servers; their software allows them to be set up quickly as such. Available Internet software includes HP Domain Business Suite software--which is comprised of HP OpenView management software--Netscape Suite Spot, and HP OpenMail messaging applications.

The servers can be upgraded to HP's D-class Enterprise Servers which use the company's powerful 64-bit PA-8000 processor.

The new D220, the lowest-cost entry point into the PA-7300LC-based server line, offers a 132-MHz PA-RISC processor and an optional 1MB of cache for better performance. Base configuration for all models in the D class includes 32 MB of RAM; a 2GB hard disk drive with a high-performance SCSI-2 interface; a CD-ROM drive; an "EtherTwist" LAN interface; and a license for the HP-UX 10.20 operating system.

The D330 is the new high-performance model of the D-series servers and uses a 160-MHz PA-7300LC processor and 1MB of cache. Also included are five hot-swappable Fast-Wide SCSI drive bays, and eight I/O slots.

HP says the D330 is being priced under $16,700, the D220 under $8,900. All models in the D class are currently available.

Meanwhile, the D210 and D310, which use the PA-7100LC, have received price cuts to serve as HP's entry-level servers for the enterprise. HP lowered the price on the D210 by 20 percent to less than $6,900; the D310 was also reduced 20 percent to $11,840. The main difference between the two models is the number of I/O bays available.