IBM will make Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 available for IBM System Cluster 1350. This will enable more mid-market and enterprise users, including clients in life sciences and computer-aided engineering (CAE), to take advantage of high-performance cluster computing. IBM will also release expanded server, storage, and other networking options to provide enhanced levels of speed and flexibility for high-performance computing. IBM System Cluster 1350 will be used by Microsoft Research to aid in HIV vaccine research. The company has restructured System Cluster 1350 to include System x servers; IBM's multi-core, processor-based BladeCenter; IBM System Storage; and networking technologies from Cisco, SMC, and Voltaire.
Dell targets small businesses with new Vostro product line
Dell will launch a new series of notebook and desktop personal computers called "Vostro" that will mainly target small businesses and organizations with 25 or fewer employees. Vostro PCs will sport a suite of subscription-based services and have dedicated tech support staff. The new systems will be offered with Windows Vista and XP operating systems but won't come with sample versions of software that expire after a specific period. Dell has assigned about 6,500 employees to handle tech support for Vostro customers. The Vostro series appears just a few weeks after Dell, based in Round Rock, TX, launched a new line of Inspiron models available in a rainbow of colors.
Jack Henry acquires Gladiator Technology Services, Inc.
Leading provider of integrated technology for financial institutions Jack Henry & Associates, Inc., has announced its acquisition of Gladiator Technology Services, Inc. With more than 500 banks and credit unions nationwide, Gladiator Technology Services, Inc., based in Atlanta, GA, is a leader in IT security services. It provides monitoring services including firewalls and network and server intrusion prevention. It also provides email filtering and encryption services. Jack Henry & Associates, Inc., markets and supports its systems throughout the U.S. and has more than 8,700 customers nationwide.
HP adds color-matching technology to cell phones
Hewlett-Packard Co., the world's largest personal computer manufacturer, has developed color-matching technology that allows consumers to take pictures with cell phones and send them using MMS to HP's "advisory server." The software analyzes the color data of the images, corrects for aberrations, and makes recommendations as to what colors would best match the targeted color. Suggestions are sent back to the user's phone through a simple SMS. The application will be helpful for women looking for the right foundation and makeup colors for their complexions and skin types. The innovative technology can also be applied to home decor, design, and fashion. Consumers using the Palo Alto company's technology will simply need basic camera phones that can send pictures over the Internet and color charts, which cosmetics companies distribute in stores and through magazines.
StorageCraft joins hands with TechXtend
StorageCraft Technology Corporation has announced a partnership with TechXtend, an IT solutions provider. The alliance will allow TechXtend to promote the StorageCraft ShadowProtect as well as StorageCraft ShadowMode lines of security solutions to IT professionals and other users. StorageCraft Technology Corporation is a provider of innovative disk-based backup, data protection, migration, disaster recovery, and security solutions for servers, desktops, and laptops. TechXtend, headquartered in Shrewsbury, NJ, is a technology consulting and engineering firm. The company provides information technology services to businesses throughout North America.
