Hewlett Packard Enterprise launches 11th generation of ProLiant servers designed for a range of modern workloads, including AI, analytics, cloud-native applications, graphics-intensive applications, machine learning, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and virtualization .
The new ProLiants come with three processor options: AMD Epyc “Genoa” generation processors, Intel Xeon Scalable “Sapphire Rapids” generation processors, and Ampere Altra and Altra Max cloud-native processors.
The new HPE ProLiant Gen11 servers support twice the I/O bandwidth and 33 percent higher high-performance GPU density per server compared to the previous generation of servers to support AI and graphics-intensive workloads.
This new generation of servers solves the challenge of having data centers in multiple locations. They also support public cloud integration through the HPE GreenLake for Compute Ops Management service, a SaaS-based, cloud-native management console that provides a unified portal for all of an enterprise’s servers, on-premises, in the cloud and at the edge.
“So what we’re doing is bringing enterprises closer to the edge where data is created,” said Krista Satterthwaite, senior vice president and general manager of HPE’s Mainstream Computing Business Group. “We will deliver an intuitive cloud operating experience, trustworthy security, and optimized performance for any workload by design.”
Security is definitely an area of focus with this generation of servers, starting with HPE Silicon Root of Trust, a security mechanism that protects firmware code from malware and ransomware. The Root of Trust chip is a custom embedded security chip that protects the firmware and ensures it cannot execute compromised firmware code. It also verifies the code to ensure it has not been compromised by malware.
The new ProLiants also gain authentication through Trusted Platform Module (TPM) monitoring of secure boot and system status, a mandatory feature offered for the first time in new servers. The TPM is an industry-standard specialized chip integrated with the motherboard that protects the hardware with an integrated encryption key. TPMs help provide security against threats such as firmware and ransomware attacks.
HPE is also expanding its trusted supply chain from North America to the world. Trusted Supply Chain uses certified servers to provide enhanced data protection during the manufacturing process. This includes verified background and security checks on HPE employees building the servers to enable rigorous component sourcing, inspection and traceability. It also protects against firmware and hardware tampering, using Server Configuration Lock to verify unauthorized changes or suspicious activity.
New servers powered by AMD and Ampere processors will be available on November 10, with Intel versions coming early next year, when the company says it will release the Sapphire Rapids chip. The servers can be purchased directly or through HPE’s GreenLake consumption model.