IT firm Dell is launching a new range of servers aimed at small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

The move follows on from the launch of similar low-price X64 servers by IBM and Hewlett Packard in recent months.

The PowerEdge R300 rack-mount server combines high performance and speed with a low price, selling in the USA for around $1,250 (£625), while the PowerEdge T300 tower system will sell for even less.

"Customers want faster performing systems to run their already taxed computer networks at a price that won't break the bank," said vice president and general manager of the small business branch at Dell, Frank Muehleman.

Both servers are based on Intel's 5100 chipset, and support the Windows Server 2003 R2 (including small business server, web and standard editions), as well as a number of Linux-based alternatives.

The new machines are a further step forward for Dell in this market, following the November 2007 introduction of "Penryn" quad-core processors by Intel.


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