Press information To download a text file of this release, a 250 pixel wide low-res RGB image for web use or a 300dpi CMYK print quality image, go to www.parkfield.co.uk Versatile IMserv server rack is multi-vendor enabled Released 28 March 2001 Server upgrades are one of the biggest issues to be addressed by network managers. All major manufacturers such as Hewlett Packard, Dell, Sun, Compaq and IBM, will also supply a server rack optimised to house their particular equipment. However, all servers have different mechanical configurations and mounting points, so a custom enclosure dedicated to one supplier's mechanical configuration potentially restricts choices when considering upgrades at some point in the future. All 19" rack mounted servers currently available can be housed in APW Electronics' standard IMserv, enabling upgrades to be implemented without having to worry about mechanical compatibility with existing equipment if the user decides to change supplier. Split rear mountings enable multiple depths to be provided throughout the height of the cabinet. The 19" panel mounts, which provide the rear attachment points for the sliding shelves or telescopic slides associated with a typical 19" server, can be fitted at any point between 800 and 1000mm from the front of the IMserv, providing an extremely versatile means of configuring the enclosure. Three different depth of server can be fitted within IMserv as standard. IMserv's ability to house servers from all suppliers is an obvious benefit to any user. In particular, Co-Lo suppliers, where multiple ISPs are provided with the physical infrastructure and broadband connections they require, will have no idea about the equipment any one particular ISP will choose to use. If Co-Lo providers specify IMserv as their standard housing, they can be certain that it can very easily be configured to suit the varied requirements of their client base. Effective thermal management is another major attribute of a server cabinet. Many server suppliers specifying very narrow operating temperature bands as a pre-requisite of their warranty package, and as high packaging densities are the norm within the cabinet, adequate airflow is critical. With large, tightly packed servers, convection airflow is necessarily restricted; the IMserv's design ensures that natural cooling is optimised; dedicated forced ventilation units, heat exchangers and air conditioners are all available to implement the ultimate server environment. Security features range from multi-point locking systems through to active electronic control of all doors. The "Computer Room in A Rack" concept pioneered by APW sees remote environmental and security monitoring enabled through the Active Rack Controller unit; the Fire Protection Unit offers fire detection and extinguishing for ultimate protection for mission-critical applications and the KVM (Keyboard, Video Mouse) unit enables multiple servers to be managed and configured from a single set of interface devices. *** Ends: 412 words *** Notes to Editors. For further information: APW Electronics contact: Stephen Goddard APW Electronics Electron Way, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, SO53 4ZR tel: + 44 (0)23 8026 6300 fax:+ 44 (0)23 8025 3012 steve.goddard@apw.com www.apw.com Agency contact: Nigel May Parkfield Parkfield House, Damerham, Hants, SP6 3HQ tel: + 44 (0)1725 518321 fax: + 44 (0)1725 518378 Nigel_May@parkfield.co.uk www.parkfield.co.uk APW Electronics (formerly VERO Electronics) is part of the $2bn APW Corporation. It has facilities in France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, the UK and the USA, as well as a world-wide network of distributors and sales offices. The company designs, manufactures and markets of a comprehensive range of floor-standing and wall-mounted enclosures, thermal management and cable control products for the worldwide data and voice distribution network marketplaces.