Big Blue has released a new category of servers specifically designed for companies needing tens of thousands of servers for Web 2.0 computing.

The new server, the IBM iDataPlex system, is based on IBM's blade server technology and is aimed at doubling server rack density while cutting power and cooling requirements. The system architecture is based on an IBM server rack, but is much shallower. Each server has Xeon Quad-core
processors. A pair can be mounted side-by-side, giving the rack a density of 84U worth of servers in a space that traditional has room for only 42U of servers.

The iDataPlex architecture cuts power requirements by 40 percent compared to traditional servers because cool air is easier to pull through the new server chassis.

The iDataPlex is expected to be available in the U.S. and Canada in June.