Computer equipment manufacturer Dell has launched its VRTX server that can be deployed as a data centre in small businesses or in the branch offices of larger organisations, says Dell enterprise solutions group director Brad Pulford.

The consolidated server uses half-height server nodes to reduce its size, which is about 400 mm × 600 mm × 200 mm, and can operate using ambient air cooling at temperatures of 30 ºC to 35 ºC, up to a maximum of 45 ºC.

“This means that the server can be located under a desk, rather than occupying a room on its own. The networking, computing and storage are integrated, removing the need for companies to integrate the systems themselves and companies can deploy virtual machines on the server.”

The server addresses the critical needs of mid-market and large businesses that increasingly aim to change their work environments and equipment to enable big data analysis, mobility and always-on systems that can be deployed where they are needed, not only in large offices.

“We have 2.5-inch fast-spinning discs that can be used in the VRTX chassis to provide 25 TB of high-end computing. This can, for example, provide desktop virtualisation across branch offices or for mobile workers,” says Dell enterprise marketing manager Kobus de Beer.

The VRTX server can accommodate four 3.5-inch discs that together provide 48 TB of storage, but customers can also start with two discs and install more discs when they require more space.

Nine of the VRTX servers can be managed from a single console, while an untrained information technology employee can deploy the servers because the servers can be set up and managed remotely.

The servers operate with global software giant Microsoft’s Windows HyperVisor virtualisation platform and global virtualisation company VMWare’s virtualisation software, says De Beer.

The servers can be deployed to replace data centres in small businesses, remote offices, health clinics, retail stores and in dispersed government buildings to make server and data-centre infrastructure less complicated and easier to manage, says Pulford.

Dell can also set up the server at its factory for customers, should they require it.

“The VRTX server range is well positioned to meet new demands and forms part of Dell’s transformation to end-to-end solutions by providing versatile, open-platform solutions for customers that drive simplicity and performance through integrated computing, storage and networking capability,” concludes Pulford.