Lenovo delivers big for SMBs with launch of ThinkServer line

ThinkServers are tuned to provide an out-of-the-box solution for small and medium businesses that require robust performance and high levels of storage but don't have dedicated IT staff to set up and manage a server environment. ThinkServers are complemented by easy-to-use management software to help customers acclimatise to their new server environment.

Lenovo is also extending its commitment to business partners by offering the full ThinkServer line as well as support through its established channel network.

Patty Briguglio, President of MMI Associates, said:

"There is nothing worse for me, the small business owner than having my technology give me problems. I have used Lenovo's ThinkPads for a long time and trust their performance, so when my Lenovo business partner urged me to try Lenovo ThinkServers, I told him I absolutely would."

Lenovo is launching three towers and two rack x86 servers, providing a scalable offering to fit the varying needs of businesses ranging in size from one to 500 employees. The ThinkServer family is available with Microsoft Windows Server or SUSE Linux Enterprise Server from Novell, Lenovo's preferred Linux operating system provider.

The new ThinkServer line consists of:
• The ThinkServer TS100 Tower and RS110 Rack servers are equipped with Intel Core 2 Duo or Xeon 3000 or 3200 processors and are targeted for small offices utilizing simple applications such as email, messaging and storing files and for use as a Web server.
• The ThinkServer TD100 Tower, TD100x Tower or RD120 Rack servers are equipped with Intel Xeon 3000 or 5000 processors and are ideal for medium-sized businesses that require additional capabilities such as database applications or virtualization.

Chris Phillips, General Manager of Windows Server and Solutions, Microsoft, said:

"Microsoft is excited to work closely with Lenovo in the server business. The combination of Windows Server 2008 and our upcoming releases of Small Business Server 2008 and Essential Business Server 2008 products align very well with Lenovo's ThinkServer solutions."

Lenovo is also launching ThinkServer management tools, software designed to make set up, update and management simple and effective for SMBs without dedicated IT departments.

ThinkServer management tools consist of:
• ThinkServer EasyStartup - a basic hardware configuration tool that helps customers with limited technical knowledge set up a server environment.
• ThinkServer EasyUpdate - an update utility that allows users to easily identify, download and install hardware and firmware updates.
• ThinkServer EasyManage - a full featured tool developed together with LANDesk that allows users to oversee the performance of one or more servers from a single console.

ThinkServer customers can take advantage of next business day warranty service with optional four-hour on site response and hard disk drive retention.

Khaled Kamel, GM Lenovo MEEP, said:
"With ThinkServer, Lenovo again delivers exceptionally engineered hardware alongside easy-to use software; aimed specifically at the SMB customer. Lenovo is now able to deliver an end-to-end suite of products for the rapidly growing regional SMB market."