InsideGoogle

Google To Sell Dell Servers

As a part of its massive deal with Dell, the computer manufacturer will be supplying Google with servers, which Google will then sell to corporate customers. This will be the next generation of Google search appliance, bearing Dell hardware but the Google name and software (and yellow swiss cheese design).

Dell spokesperson Jess Blackburn said the products are based on the company’s server platform but will feature Google-branded logos. The systems will be sold to Google’s corporate clients as the Google Search Appliance.

“These would in effect be Google products,” Blackburn said. “Nothing about the server would make you think it’s a Dell platform.”

Dell currently sells its PowerEdge 850 servers for as little as $699 with a 2.66 GHz Celeron D, 512 MB of RAM, a 3-year basic warranty and onsite service, 80 GB of hard drive space and a 24X CD drive. Add on whatever you think the search appliance system is worth, and you have the idea of how cheap a search appliance could get on Dell hardware. The cheapest Google Mini is currently $1,995, while the full-on search appliance starts at $30,000.

Of course, god only knows how much the “cheesebox” stylings add to the price…

June 8th, 2006 Posted by Nathan Weinberg | Search Appliance, General | one comment