HP Redefines Server Space with HP Moonshot Server, World’s First “Software-Defined” Server

HP Moonshot

HP Moonshot

Kuala Lumpur, April 16, 2013 – HP took the wraps off the world’s first “software defined” server – HP Moonshot server, featuring a new infrastructure that uses less energy, less space and costs less compared to traditional x86-based servers. The next generation server is a next generation server and is expected to be a game-changer in the server market.

“With nearly 10 billion devices connected to the internet and predictions for exponential growth, we’ve reached a point where the space, power and cost demands of traditional technology are no longer sustainable,” said Thiyagu Letchumanan, Managing Director, Hewlett-Packard Malaysia & General Manager, HP Enterprise Group, Malaysia. “HP Moonshot marks the beginning of a new style of IT that will change the infrastructure economics and lay the foundation for the next 20 billion devices.”

The new HP Moonshot system is the second-generation server from HP’s Project Moonshot, built from 10 years of extensive research from HP Labs, HP’s central research arm. It is the first software defined server that enables enterprises to optimise their servers based on workload needs. HP Moonshot is engineered to meet current and future IT needs created by social, cloud, mobile and big data.

Unconventionally, HP Moonshot servers use chips more commonly found in mobile devices which reduces energy use by up to 89 percent, 80 percent less space through a high density footprint and costing 77 percent less, compared to traditional servers.

The HP Moonshot systems consists of the HP Moonshot 1500 enclosure and application-optimised HP ProLiant Moonshot servers. First in the line-up is the HP Moonshot 1500, a 4.3u server enclosure that is fully equipped with 45 Intel-based servers, each powered by Intel Atom S1200 processor, network switch and supporting components. The chassis itself contains traditional components including HP Integrated Lights-Out (iLo) management, power supply and cooling fans. HP Moonshot supports up to 1,800 servers per rack, occupying one-eighth of space required by traditional servers.

At a special closed-door session with media, Vincent Lee, Country Manager, ProLiant-Industry Standard Servers, HP Enterprise Group, Malaysia in his presentation, revealed a comprehensive roadmap of world-load optimised HP ProLiant Moonshot servers incorporating processors from HP’s technical partners including AMD, AppliedMicro, Calxeda, Intel and Texas Instruments Incorporated.

HP Moonshot servers is targeted at the telecommunications industry, data centers, financial services and other applications including industries that deal with large-scale unstructured data.

HP also introduced an enhanced partner program and new services to complement the new class of server – HP Pathfinder Innovation Ecosytem and HP Moonshot Concierge Services.

HP Pathfinder Innovation Ecosystem includes 25 silicon vendors, operating system developers and independent software vendors (ISVs).

HP Moonshot Concierge Services include HP Discovery Labs and HP Technology Services support and consulting solutions.

The HP Moonshot system is immediately available in the United States and Canada, and will be available in Europe, Asia and Latin America beginning May 2013. Pricing begins at USD $61,875 for the enclosure, 45 HP ProLiant Moonshot servers and an integrated switch.

HP Moonshot 101 Video
http://youtu.be/b5mFt_38JME

Additional information about HP Moonshot is available at TheDisruption.com or through the HP Moonshot video news release.

HP’s premier America’s client event, HP Discover takes place June 11-13 in Las Vegas.

Vernon
Vernon is the founder and chief editor of Vernonchan.com. A graphic designer by profession, he has a deep love for technology, cars, gadgets, food, and travel. He tweets too much and is also known as a caffeine bacterium ("life's too short for bad coffee"). Bleeds Blue (go Chelsea FC!) and considers BMW, Porsche, Alfa Romeo cars to have in the garage--hallmarks of a true petrolhead.