Fresh on the heels of the recent unveiling of Microsoft’s Windows Server 2003, Palo Alto, Calif.-based Hewlett Packard and Unisys
are among the first companies to embrace Microsoft’s new operating system.
The server operating environment integrates with the Microsoft .NET Framework to provide a foundation for distributed applications and support for both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures.
Nearly a year and half late to market, Windows Server 2003 is said to be the largest software development project in Microsoft’s history and a major play to tap into the high-end supercomputer, cluster, enterprise storage, and mainframe markets.
One of the first companies to integrate the new platform, HP announced the release Tuesday of its new Intel Itanium 2-based workstations running Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003.
HPs new product is part of a strategic push to provide users with a next-generation desktop platform that can maintain both technical and business computing applications for high-demand industries such as computer-aided design and analysis, scientific research, imagery analysis, and software development.
Available on both the HP Workstation zx2000 and zx6000, Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 was designed to increase compatibility on Itanium 2-based HP workstations.
The 2003 version also possesses more memory and higher ‘floating point’ performance of the 64-bit Itanium architecture while providing a base for both 32- and 64-bit environments.
The relationship between Microsoft and HP is very tight. Last week, Microsoft and Intel boasted HP’s latest Superdome is now the world’s fastest single Wintel
On the support end of the server world, Blue Bell, PA-based Unisys unveiled a series of services intended to bolster the use of Microsoft platforms.
In partnership with Microsoft, Unisys is the first information solutions provider to support the Microsoft Datacenter High Availability Program for Windows Server 2003.
Unisys and Microsoft developed and streamlined the Datacenter concept together to provide users with Windows-based solutions uninterrupted access to business information.
According to Unisys, the Microsoft Datacenter for Windows Server 2003 provides a range of services for businesses including technical support, certified and pre-tested configurations, and Microsoft’s High Availability Resolution Queue (HARQ).
HARQ is a parallel support service created by Microsoft to eliminate the need for Windows Server 2003 customers to direct support requests to specific vendors.
According to Unisys, the program provides for customer support requirements to go in parallel to Microsoft and the platform supplier, ensuring a fast resolution regardless of which technology is responsible for the interruption.
“With Microsoft, we’ve simplified nearly every aspect of the Windows 2003 Server Datacenter support, maximizing reliability and availability, from certifying configurations to accessing fast technical support when needed,” said Pete Samson, vice president and general manager, Unisys Enterprise Server Market Development.
Other key partners making planning their product lines around Windows Server 2003 include, IBM , Dell Computer
, Fujitsu, Borland, NEC
, SAP, Siebel, VERITAS, Accenture, Citrix, Legato and Crystal Decisions.
