HP blade servers use less energy

Third-generation blade server system is cheaper to run than rival offerings

HP has launched its third-generation blade server system, with several new technologies it said would make it cheaper to run than rivals.

The launch marks the start of an important phase for HP as it moves all its server offerings to the blade format. It plans to announce blade servers based on its Superdome and NonStop Unix architectures early next year.

Iain Stephen, HP vice-president and director, said the new c-Class BL460c servers are the hardware equivalent of the world’s best-selling server, HP’s ProLiant DL380.

The update also includes a new configuration of up to six power supplies that are automatically switched off when not required. This and other energy-saving features make the blades 40 percent more power-efficient than other rack servers, said HP.