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HP (NYSE: HPQ) has released a number of new offerings targeting the mid-market, including new Linux management tools, remote security access products and -- for companies embarking on a customer 
relationship management implementation -- two new additions to the HP ProLiant server line that include configuration blueprints for two popular applications: Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Dynamics CRM and Oracle's (Nasdaq: ORCL) Siebel CRM.
Although HP has offered implementation road maps for Microsoft Dynamics CRM with other server lines, this is the first time it's offering a blueprint for configuring Siebel with any of its servers.
New Servers
The newest HP ProLiant additions are the BL260c G5 server blade and the DL120 G5 rack mount server.
HP ProLiant BL260c G5 is 64 percent more power-efficient than any other blade system on the market, according to HP. It is designed for branch offices and remote sites with small or virtualization-based environments. It supports CRM, enterprise resource planning, database applications, Web applications, file/print services and high-performance computing.
The HP ProLiant DL120 G5 is a single-processor rack-optimized server equipped the latest Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) Xeon technology.
Both models come with directions for implementing Microsoft CRM and Oracle's Siebel application.
This coupling of hardware and implementation guidance is part of HP's strategy to drive adoption in the middle market by bolstering capabilities in the partner channel, said Steve Gillaspy, group manager for the HP Blade System product line.
Bolstering the Channel Market
Essentially, the configurations and servers help channel partners speed products to market, as HP has done most of the testing and prepackaging necessary, Gillaspy explained.
"CRM and ERP are the most sought-after business solutions in this space," he told CRM Buyer. "Recognizing that, we wanted to make sure we did enough prep work for the channel partners so they would be able to compete effectively and put together the right package for customers."
The HP ProLiant BL260c and DL120 are currently available and can be purchased through an HP channel partner. The HP ProLiant BL260c is supported in HP Cluster Platform configurations for HPC, including the HP Cluster Platform Workgroup System, available through HP Cluster Platform Express. Pricing for the HP ProLiant BL260c starts at US$1,199. Pricing for the HP ProLiant DL120 system starts at $699.
Security, Linux
HP also introduced HP Secure Remote Access, another mid-market offering, which provides secure access to business information from remote locations. It interfaces with other HP devices, such as desktop PCs, thin clients, business notebooks, tablet PCs, iPAQ handhelds and smartphones.
The HP Secure Remote Access package includes Citrix Access Essentials, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 R2.
For Linux users, HP has updated its management tools with its HP Insight Control Environment for Linux. It is based on Linux cluster technology that improves application performance. It has also introduced five HP-approved Oracle database configurations for HP BladeSystem and ProLiant systems running on Linux.
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