Sign in Subscribe
Computer industry

IBM Unveils Highly-Managed PC 300PL, Revolutionizing Systems Management

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

IBM announced its latest innovation in systems management with the launch of the highly-managed PC 300PL, the first IBM PC based on Intel's BX core chip set. This new technology boasts industry-leading capabilities in deployment, inventory, and security, helping customers lower the total cost of running their networks. The PC 300PL features the Intel Pentium II processor, with versions available in 266, 300, 333, and the new 350 and 400 MHz, making it a game-changer in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IBM PC 300PL is the first PC to feature IBM Asset ID, a new deployment, inventory, and security system based on radio-frequency technology.
  • IBM Asset ID helps customers reduce the cost of system deployment and losses due to theft, making it a significant portion of the total cost of owning a PC.
  • Through a handheld radio frequency unit, customers can write end-user information and software requirements on a system EEPROM while the PC is still in the carton, eliminating manual steps involved in the deployment process.
  • IBM Asset ID allows customers to take accurate physical inventories of systems and their components without searching for labels or opening the chassis, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
  • The PC 300PL also features IBM Alert on LAN, a new hardware and software technology that immediately alerts network administrators when a PC has a problem, even if the PC is powered off or has no operating system running.
  • Alert on LAN technology provides notification of system configuration changes and operating system or hardware failures even when the PC is powered off, the operating system is not operational, or the system is remotely located.
  • IBM LCCM 2.0 enables network administrators to perform a wide range of tasks remotely, eliminating the need to physically visit each desktop.
  • SMART Reaction software works with SMART hard drives and provides automatic backup, data mirroring, and restoration of user data to external hard drives.
  • Estimated reseller prices for the IBM PC 300PL start as low as $1,449, with aggressive pricing made possible by IBM's Advanced Fulfillment Initiative (AFI).
  • IBM intends to incorporate the new Intel processors into the IBM PC 300GL family during the second quarter, offering systems based on the Celeron processor and the 350 and 400MHz Pentium II Processor.

Statistics:

  • Estimated reseller prices for the IBM PC 300PL start as low as $1,449.
  • The total cost of running a PC is estimated to be 85% of the initial purchase price, highlighting the need for efficient systems management.
  • IBM Asset ID helps reduce costs associated with system deployment and losses due to theft by up to 15%.
  • The PC 300PL features up to 64 MB SDRAM and 4MB standard 100 MHz SGRAM.
  • The new system is based on Intel's BX core chip set with 100 MHz front side bus speed.
  • The PC 300PL comes with enhanced integrated S3 Trio3D graphics and an AGP 2 connector slot for expansion.

Sources:

  • IBM press release (date not specified)
  • IBM's official website: http://www.ibm.com/pc/desktop

Read more