IBM delivers technology and power to small business

IBM also announced that eServer* x200 and x220 are now available with the new Intel® Pentium® III-S processors with 512K cache and a speed of 1.26 Ghz creating the most powerful line of entry-level small business servers in the industry.

The IBM eServer x200VL is the only system available in the entry-level space that offers businesses the power of an 850 MHz Intel Celeron processor and 20 GB IDE storage. Designed as a general purpose or interconnected department server, the new x200VL system also features IBM Director, an intelligent system management program with Project eLiza self-diagnosing and self-healing technologies. Project eLiza is IBM's program aimed at creating a world of self-managing systems and technologies that enhance performance.

"None of our competitors can match the technology and services we offer to small businesses," said Sameh Farid, Regional Manager, IBM Personal Computer Division (PCD) Middle East, Egypt & Pakistan." IBM helps growing businesses stay competitive by offering products at affordable prices coupled with technologies that will help manage their IT environment."

Project eLiza technologies featured in the new system include Predictive Failure Analysis® (PFA) which enables a server to self-diagnose potential problems and then alert IT staff so that they can avoid a potential server crash. Also included in the x200VL are Software Rejuvenation which can automatically predict and repair software problems before they occur, and IBM ServerGuide software simplifies system set-up and installation.

Offering native support for Linux® and Microsoft® Windows®, as well as support for additional operating systems, the IBM eServer x200VL gives customers the flexibility to choose their operating systems and applications that best meet their needs.

New eServer Small Business Solutions, Software and Options In addition, IBM is offering small business customers an integrated networking solution with Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 preloaded on the x220 and x232. This solution offers enterprise level products designed specifically for small business and includes Microsoft Windows 2000, Exchange Server 2000 and SQL Server 2000, plus Windows 2000 Server-based solutions for e-mail, fax, databases, and secure, shared Internet access. Small businesses can also take advantage of the optional IBM and SBS 2000 ServicePac which offers incident-based support for SBS 2000 and 5/24 telephone support.

IBM also announced availability of new eServer software that enables small to medium-sized businesses to participate in private business-to-business (B2B) exchanges, without the need for an e-marketplace. Designed for IBM eServer iSeries products, iSeries Connect is an integrated software product that provides tools, connectivity and catalog functions to help mid-sized businesses securely and affordably link their core applications to trading partners. IBM iSeries Connect Version 1.1 includes open interfaces support for point-to-point and private B2B exchanges, providing customers a low-cost alternative to expensive electronic data interchange (EDI) or custom-built B2B solutions.

In addition, IBM unveiled the new IBM Fibre Tape Automation Adapter Card Option, which allows direct connect of SCSI devices into a Fibre Channel Networks. The Fibre Tape Automation Adapter Card Option works with existing storage area networks (SAN) and IBM eServer xSeries Linear Tape Open (LTO) tape automation products to enable serverless backup for data in multiple office locations.

The IBM eServer models are designed to make high availability and business critical reliabilty affordable for the smallest business. Servers can be sized and configured on-line, ready for shipment to a VAR or customer. All IBM eServer xSeries models are available directly through ibm.com or at 1-888-SHOP-IBM. In addition, IBM offers SuccessLease for Small Business (4), an easy to use IBM sponsored financing program which lets small and growing businesses finance any combination of IBM and non-IBM hardware, software and services through resellers and direct from IBM at ibm.com.