[SunHELP] v480 is out...

[Robert Banniza]

Sun unveils new 'Cherrystone' server
 
By Ashlee Vance, IDG News Service
JUNE 18, 2002
 
Sun Microsystems Inc. rounded out its entry-level server line today
with the release of a new four-processor system code-named Cherrystone
and the addition of faster processors to its eight-processor V880
system. 
After many months of speculation, Sun announced that the new V480
server -- known internally as "Cherrystone" -- is available as a two- or
four-processor server running on 900-MHz UltraSPARC III processors. The
rack-mount system is 5U (8.75 in.) high and starts at just less than
$23,000 for a basic configuration. 
 
Sun has also made the 900-MHz chips available on the eight-processor
V880 server that was previously sold with 750-MHz chips, said Warren
Mootrey, director of marketing for Sun's volume systems products group.

 
"The V480 plays well in application server environments running Sun
ONE, BEA [Systems Inc.] and SAP [AG] applications," Mootrey said. "It's
also aggressively priced against the competition." 
 
Sun has long battled IBM and Hewlett-Packard Co. with entry-level and
midrange servers running versions of the Unix operating system. In
addition, IBM, HP and Dell Computer Corp. have strengthened their
two-processor and four-processor servers that use Intel Corp. chips and
run either Microsoft Corp.'s Windows or the Linux operating system. Sun
is confident it can match rivals on price with the V480 and build on the
success of the V880 systems, which have been on sale for some time. 
 
Pricing on the V480 server starts at $22,995 for a system with two
900-MHz UltraSPARC IIIs, 4GB of memory and two 36GB disks, Mootrey said.
A larger system with four processors, 16GB of memory and two 36GB disks
will be priced at $46,995. Sun ships the systems with its JumpStart
technology that lets users install either the Solaris 8 or Solaris 9
operating system. 
 
Sun claims the prices for the new V480 server will cost $1,000 less
than competing systems from IBM and Dell. This comparison is for IBM and
Dell systems without an operating system, Mootrey said. IBM and Dell
were not immediately available for comment. 
 
Later this month, Sun is expected to announce some clustering software
packages that will be available on the V480, Mootrey said. 

 
Robert Banniza
Senior UNIX Administrator
Ascension Health ISD



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