Dell has donated an ARM-based server concept to the Apache Software Foundation, a volunteer group which oversees nearly 150 open source software projects and initiatives.
Dell’s server runs Calxeda’s ultra-low power scalable energycore computer chip, which it reports is ten times more energy efficient than x86-based servers. Calxeda’s chips power servers in giant data centers that require peak efficiency.
The ARM technology in Calxeda’s chips is similar to the low-power processers used in smartphones and tablets.
Dell reports that a lot of its customers use Apache’s open source software products and that the ARM infrastructure shows promise in saving energy and money.
The Dell ARM-based server is available to the ASF community now at builds.apache.org. The donation includes hosting and technical support.