Google Goes With Dell For Search Appliance

Dell's new PowerEdge servers, available in 1u, 2u or 5u/tower configurations, will use Intel's new Xeon 5000 and 5100 processors, formerly code-named Dempsey and Woodcrest, respectively. Dell said the systems also will include a programmable LCD that enables a visual diagnosis of server problems.

Search giant Google is using Dell to build servers for its corporate search appliance as well as load on the software and put on a custom bezel, a Dell spokesman said. "We will actually apply a unique bezel to the front of the server," he said. "It will be a Google product unique to Google's design."

The spokesman said Dell does some custom manufacturing in the Industry Solutions Group of its Americas Business Unit.

Last month, the two companies announced Dell would bundle its systems with Google's desktop software, which integrates several software applications and Google's toolbar.

Dell said the PowerEdge 1950, 2900 and 2950 based on Dempsey CPUs are immediately available at prices starting at about $1,749. Systems based on Woodcrest, including a blade, will be available in the "coming weeks," according to Dell. All the servers will use Serial Attached SCSI for storage.