AMD updates Open Compute servers

Open 3.0 systems look to cut hardware costs

AMD has unveiled Open 3.0, an update to its Open server platform that boasts improved performance and efficiency.

Based on specifications outlined by the Open Compute project, the AMD Open 3.0 servers seek to deliver an efficient, stripped-down server line with minimal components in a standard rack-mount frame.

The AMD Open 3.0 servers will run the company's Opteron 6300 processors along with 12 memory slots and six SATA connections. The board designs can accommodate server sizes ranging from one to three rack units.

The company said that the Open servers will be particularly well-suited for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) hosting. AMD estimates that by moving to the streamlined design of the Open servers, the cost of running a virtual PC can be cut from $91.19 to $38.24 per instance.

AMD fellow and cloud evangelist Bob Ogrey said: "Global IT organisations have the difficult task of choosing between price and performance when investing in servers. We don't believe organisations have to compromise one for the other. Using systems based on the AMD Open 3.0 specification - the first open source, modular platform for the masses - enables high performance and energy efficiency at a reasonable price, making it the best choice for organisations."

The release comes during a busy period for the organisations involved with the Open Compute Project. Last week, members of the group, headed by Facebook, unveiled plans to develop an open networking solution.

With many large companies and service providers looking to build out their data centres, analysts believe that customisable platforms such as Open Compute will increasingly play a role in the market. Rob Enderle, principal analyst with the Enderle Group, told V3 that large companies may opt for the open servers over pre-built systems.

"As we move to the cloud, what we are finding is companies increasingly have unique needs and capabilities, the Open Compute Project will help them get what they want," said Enderle. "Smaller businesses are going to get compute as a service, long term I think its only going to be the larger companies that can afford on-premise."