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NEC Continuous Availability Server Racks Up Industry Honors

One year after introducing the IT industry's first fault tolerant server based on industry standard Intel architecture, NEC Solutions (America) Inc reports broad industry recognition and marketplace acceptance resulting from numerous awards and accolades from the IT industry's most respected experts.

NEC Solutions (America), a leading provider of business solutions and services for the high-end commercial and professional markets in North America, has been honored with numerous awards for its groundbreaking continuous availability server technology, including most recently a "Best of Show" award at the Microsoft Exchange Conference (MEC 2002). This award followed a "Best of Show Finalist" award at SuperComm 2002 and "Best of Show" awards at two of the IT industry's most widely attended tradeshows, Networld + Interop (N+I) and Comdex.

In each case, the company's fault tolerant servers were cited as being the most innovative because they provide continuous availability for Windows applications using industry-standard components at a cost beginning at less than $20,000. The servers were also cited as having widespread industry impact because they completely change the purchase criteria for customers running high availability networks. Competition for each of the awards has been particularly heavy as most IT organizations seek ways to differentiate themselves in difficult economic times.

Further accolades from respected trade publications such as InfoWorld, Network World, eWeek and Government Computer News, which have reviewed the Express5800/320La server in their labs, demonstrate the potential impact of continuously available servers on corporate networks.

According to InfoWorld, "Your company may not need a fault-tolerant server if you can handle six to 12 hours of downtime standing on your head. For the rest of you, this is your wake-up call. Fault tolerance is here, now, and at a price that won't have your CFO sweating blood."

InfoWorld gave the server its "Deploy" recommendation, the publication's highest honor, after testing the server immediately following its introduction into North America.

In addition, Network World reviewers awarded the NEC Express5800/320La three scores of "Perfect 5" in the categories of Availability, Serviceability and Manageability.

"The industry has taken notice of this innovative server and recognized the potential impact of Win/Tel-based continuous availability for network managers," said Rosie Dalomba, senior marketing manager, NEC Solutions America. "What's equally critical is the importance people are now placing on continuous availability. Network downtime is not an option any more. And the IT community needs availability solutions for Windows environments that aren't complex and don't cost a fortune to build and maintain."

NEC Solutions America introduced continuous availability Linux systems this year, along with a host of other high availability solutions, including 2 Terabyte storage, that compliment its groundbreaking server.

The NEC Express5800/320La At-A-Glance

Simplified Availability

The Express5800/320La employs 24x7 fault tolerant technology that allows all processing and input/output (I/O) commands to run on redundant subsystems in lockstep. The servers include multiple CPU processing modules, multiple I/O-PCI modules, power supplies and hard disk drive (HDDs) running in what is called an "Active/Active" mode. The redundant subsystems in each module process identical data at the same time. In the event of a hardware failure or error, the defective module is instantly isolated to prevent losing memory state or processing instructions. The end result is a far higher level of system integrity and stability when compared to non-fault-tolerant systems.

Modular Serviceability

A modular design coupled with advanced monitoring ability and on-line testing capabilities allow NEC Solutions America to provide a new service paradigm with the Express5800/320La server. The company is the only server provider to offer warranties on a modular level. In addition to modular serviceability, the servers simplify long-term operation and repair through remote monitoring and repair capabilities, and proactive problem identification and resolution. All service and repair features are designed to occur without a system shutdown.

Software Reliability

Continuously available systems rely on software to predict, manage and recover from potential software problems. To help ensure dependable operation, the NEC Express5800/320La offers a suite of software designed to provide exceptional stability and availability while transparently managing problem prediction, isolation and recovery.

Pricing and Availability

Microsoft Windows and Linux versions of the Express5800/320La server can be ordered as single and dual processor pedestal models, as well as a rack-mounted model for the dual processor system. A single processor system begins at a list price less than US$20,0001, Canada$30,4001. The NEC Express5800/320La (2-way) pedestal server, will list for US$24,6531, Canada $37,4731, when configured with 512MB RAM, 18GB2HDD, and pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server operating system. A similarly configured rack mount (8U) NEC Express5800/320Lr (2-way) server will list for an additional US $4001, Canada $6081.

Further information on the NEC Express5800/ft server series is available on the NEC Solutions America fault tolerant Web site at: www.necft.com.

About NEC Solutions (America) Inc

NEC Solutions (America) Inc is a leading provider of business solutions and services for the high-end commercial and professional markets in North America. As a part of NEC Corporation, NEC Solutions America supplies customized technology solutions, including presentation systems, enterprise computing products, biometric and information security solutions, advanced eBusiness integration systems, and professional IT/IS services. Information about NEC Solutions America can be found at www.necsolutions-am.com.