IBM Corp is refreshing its PC 300 desktop line next Monday, the same day Intel Corp has been tipped to launch its 600MHz Pentuim III and 500MHz Celeron processors (CI No 3711). But along with the introduction, IBM will officially launch a new PC Lifecycle Care program, for large customers which need a level of platform stability during major system rollouts. With PC hardware upgrades coming so frequently, customers with six to 12 month installations have been asking for guarantees that the hardware they install at the end of the process will still be compatible with the boxes the set up at the start. Changes in BIOS and software driver updates all make it harder and more expensive to effectively manage the environment.
The Lifecycle care program has three main components. The first is proactive change notification, through a website which can be tailored for individual customers, and from which information about changes can be received and updates downloaded. Second, IBM will instigate product previews through its sales force to warn customers of potential updating issues. The third component is the establishment of workhorse models which IBM guarantees to keep available unchanged throughout the installation process. It already does this with ThinkPad and PC 300 desktops, but will now extend the idea to Intellistation workstation and Netfinity servers. IBM claims its Lifecycle Program is the most comprehensive from any vendor, and along with its existing lifecycle management tools will result in lower cost of ownership.
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal hears that pricing for the 600MHz Pentium III will be $669, or 14% below the initial price of a 550MHz Pentium III back in May. The Celeron part is likely to cost $167, around the same as the 466MHz Celeron, which cost $169 when it was introduced in April.
