Dell Computer Corp launched its first Pentium Pro box yesterday, an entry-level network server with a starting price of $3,800 – half the price of current dual processor Pentium systems of equivalent performance from IBM Corp, Compaq Computer Corp and Hewlett-Packard Co, according to chairman Michael Dell. The PowerEdge 2100, in volume this month, is the first of a family of Pentium Pros that will emerge over the next six months, and Dell hopes to grab a larger share of the network server market as a result: its server business grew 115% in the second quarter of this year compared with the same period last year, and 57% from the previous quarter. In November Dell plans to add the dual processor PowerEdge 4100, followed later by the quad processor 6100, and it also plans a PCI-based RAID controller supporting 16 disk drives for the higher-end systems. The 2100 uses an in-house designed motherboard rather than the Intel offering, and includes server management software, ultra-wide SCSI and room for 27Gb of internal disk. It comes in 180MHz or 200MHz versions with up to 256Mb memory. The entry price includes the Windows NT Server operating system, 2Gb drive, CD-ROM, Ethernet board and monitor. Dell has been cutting the prices of its existing Pentium PowerEdge systems in the run-up to the new launch, the last time (in July) by 18%. Dell will be selling the servers direct as it does with desktops.
