SSI Forum Announces the Release of the Micro Module Server Specification, Version 1.0

SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Server System Infrastructure^SM Forum (SSI), a leading server industry group that drives server form factor standards, today announced the release of the Micro Module Server Specification, Version 1.0. The Micro Module Server Specification provides a server board form factor and system interfaces specifically designed for the micro server segment. This standard, a collaborative effort between SSI Forum’s Server Working Group (SWG), Quanta, TYAN, and Intel, will enable innovative system architectures to reduce product costs and increase product and data center efficiencies.

“The SWG has identified Micro Servers as a growing market, and we are pleased to provide the industry with innovative solutions that enable multiple form factors.”

The micro server segment is an emerging category that is generally characterized by scale-out, single-socket, entry-level servers designed for lower power consumption, improved density, and better efficiencies through resource sharing. It is targeted for cost-effective web services, including entry dedicated hosting and fixed function web servers such as static web page serving.

“With our unique vantage point in the global server business, Quanta foresees the emergence of low-cost, high-density entry-level servers,” said James Jau, VP of Cloud Computing Business Unit at Quanta. “That is why we are pleased to support the new Micro Module specification, which will bring great benefit to datacenters worldwide.”

“We’re seeing increased interest in cost-sensitive, higher-density servers, and the Micro Module Server Specification enables TYAN to meet this customer demand — particularly in web hosting,” said Kevin Hart, Director of Product Marketing, TYAN. “In 2011, TYAN will introduce a new family of Micro Module Server products based on this specification.”

“The availability of this new specification is an exciting development and a true reflection of the innovation set forth by members of SSI Forum. This is unlike anything we have ever done as an organization, but it is our intention to continue expanding the scope of the SWG to ensure that we deliver best-in-class value to the server industry,” said Jim Ryan, chairman, SSI Forum. “The SWG has identified Micro Servers as a growing market, and we are pleased to provide the industry with innovative solutions that enable multiple form factors.”

With the release of Micro Module Server Specification, Version 1.0, SSI members will be able to more quickly bring micro server products that are consistent with the SSI specification to market — dramatically reducing the resources and time required for product development. SSI Forum plans to continue promoting the specification to drive industry adoption.

The Micro Server Specification is immediately available to all SSI Forum members. If you are not a member of SSI Forum and would like access to the specification, click here to request an evaluation copy. To learn more about the Micro Module Server Specification or to join SSI Forum SWG, please contact Eyran Eylon at eyran.eylon@intel.com.

About SSI Forum

Established in 1998, SSI Forum is a leading server industry group that drives server infrastructure standards. Now with over 35 members worldwide, SSI Forum creates standards for redundant server power systems, rack-mount server chassis, power control and management, and other components and services that simplify the build of server solutions. SSI Forum recently extended its focus to include blade-based server standards that address customer and ecosystem opportunities. SSI Forum’s goal is to enable future server market growth by standardizing interfaces between components, including boards, chassis, and power supplies, and by developing common server hardware elements. More information is available at www.ssiforum.org.