HP launches new workstation line

The new HP Z Workstation series, including the Z800, 600 and 400 models, have a self-checking power supply and use the new Intel Xeon 5500 series processors. HP says that this makes them much more efficient – for instance, the Z line already qualifies to the Energy Star 5.0 standard and it has a WattSaver feature that manages power in the ‘off’ state to cut wastage  

For increased flexibility, the interior of the Z line has a modular design, in which components can easily be slid in and out. The cable-less environment should also ensure optimal serviceability. “The new workstations are serviceable with your fingers – from the power supply to the motherboard,” claims Charl Snyman, vice president, personal systems group, HP EMEA. On the outside, the new line has a streamlined brushed aluminium exterior to protect its innards.

The topline quad-core HP Z800 model uses Intel QuickPath technology to speed up performance and is also available with a liquid cooling option, which may prove useful in demanding applications in the wholesale banking arena. The smaller models can also be specified with these options. Every workstation is also 90 per cent recyclable by weight and comes with ‘fine tuning’ software. UK prices start at £2,111 for the top Z800 model; £1,359 for Z600; and £1,087 for Z400.

• In other news, HP is expanding its thin client portfolio by enhancing its gt7720 Performance Series and t5730w and 15630w Flexible Series to support the core features of the Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard operating system, providing increased multi-media and management functionality. To further aid thin client applications in the financial services sector, the remote desktop protocol and remote graphics protocol is being overhauled to respectively improve redirection capabilities and collaborative abilities with VMWare virtualisation systems.

• The vendor’s network division, HP ProCurve, is also introducing a Threat Management Services Module that provides firewall, virtual private network and intrusion prevention functionality. According to the manufacturers, the multifunction security product eliminates the need for a separate appliance by physically integrating into the HP ProCurve 8212 and 5400 Series switches, on end user network infrastructures.