IBM's decision to sell pSeries servers via an Internet auction is
good news for users, according to industry experts.
James RogersOn Monday the hardware giant began selling configured
rack-mounted and entry-level Unix servers through the eBay Internet
trading site.
Analyst Phil Payne of Isham Research believes that buying over
the Internet is ideal for companies that already have a number of
pSeries servers, but warned that first-time buyers may need
specialist advice. "For a new buyer it would be better to get one
from one of IBM's business partners that specialises in your
particular industry," he said.
The online auction follows a pilot project last December. Martin
Beckwith, IBM's European server channel manager, said, "The
Internet has emerged as a powerful marketplace, bringing together
buyers and sellers in new and dynamic ways, one of which is the
online auction.
"This is very much a case of IBM putting its money where its
mouth is."
IBM's online auction will run for a limited period, although
this could be extended if the scheme proves to be successful.
james.rogers@rbi.co.uk