New IBM Servers Simplify Pricing

IBM took aim at Microsoft and Windows x86-based small business server dominance yesterday when it announced a new per-user pricing model and two new servers aimed at small and mid-sized businesses.

The System i 515 Express is designed for companies with fewer than 40 employees. Prices start at $7,995, which includes five user licenses. Businesses can add additional user licenses for $1,250 per five users. The 525 Express is aimed at companies with more than 30 employees and is priced at $34,900.

Ian Jarman, IBM ‘s System i product manager, described that per-user licensing model as a “radical change.”

The System i 515 Express server features new per-user licensing pricing from IBM.

IBM says that its goal is to provide a complete system that is reliable, easy to manage and easy to secure while offering core features such as built-in virus resistance security tools, database, backup and recovery tools, storage, Web server and Web-based management tools.

However, Jarman said, you have the option of adding more advanced features later, if needed. “We offer a lot of technology, but [small businesses] have the option of not having extra features bundled in.”

For example, Jarman said, IBM hasn’t included the virtualization and Storage Area Networking capabilities typically bundled in System i servers, but makes them available as options in the System i 515 Express.

Jarman said that System i Express will also appeal to small businesses looking to consolidated servers onto one integrated system. “With Window servers, you typically have one application per server — one for your Web server, one for your database, one for e-mail. There’s lots of management involved.” The System i servers are designed to run multiple server applications on one box.

IBM points to research from Gartner to reinforce the problem of server sprawl even among small businesses. The Stamford, Conn.-based firm reported last November that the typical small business has an average seven servers deployed on site.

The System i 515 and 525 are based on Power5+ processors that support applications running in IBM i5/OS, Windows, Linux and AIX. The servers are available with either one or two processors. Jarman said that you have the option of using the second processor on an on-demand basis — “even on a temporary basis.”

“Say it’s a week before Christmas, and you need more capacity. You can switch on the second processor without rebooting or having to take down your Web site,” Jarman said.

Of course, Jarman said he knows that IBM needs to rely on independent software vendors and System i resellers to reach more small businesses. Many small businesses rely on specific vertical application to drive their business, and that’s where IBM hopes to find a foothold. “Small businesses tend to start with their business solution and work backwards [towards the server hardware].”

System i 515 and 525 Express supports to to 16 GB memory and eight 560 GB disk drives. They will available through IBM Partners later this month, according to the company.

Dan Muse is executive editor of internet.com’s Small Business Channel, EarthWeb’s Networking Channel and ServerWatch.

Do you have a comment or question about this article or other small business topics in general? Speak out in the SmallBusinessComputing.com Forums. Join the discussion today!