Acer AC100 Micro Server Brings Data Center Down to Size

Small businesses with data center-size needs but not the wallet to support them have a new option for their networks with Acer’s AC100 micro server, which starts at $999 when configured with an Intel Xeon E3-1260L processor and houses up to 8TB of RAID storage and 16GB memory.

In addition to Energy Star certification, the AC100 boasts a high-efficiency 200W 80 PLUS power supply, which, according to the company, makes the AC100 more than 80 percent energy efficient at 20 percent, 50 percent and 100 percent rated loads.

A compact design also makes it easier for businesses to find room in the office for storage needs (just move that intern into the closet like you’ve always wanted to).

The AC100 can be configured with a variety of operating systems including Microsoft Small Business Server 2011 Essentials, and offers utilities including Server Health Monitoring, Client PC Power Saving, Printer Sharing and Fax Notification, as well as pad and Kensington lock slots to prevent someone from walking off with it.

Business can expand when needed thanks to four 3.5-inch hot-pluggable hard drive bays, six USB ports, one PCIe x8 slot as well as video and eSATA ports. Since there’s nothing worse than losing your data, Acer’s got you covered with automatic backup and ECC memory, which protects the system from data corruption by detecting and correcting single bit errors on the fly. Plus, the AC100 includes an integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller for quick data migration.

For VARs serving customers with tight IT budgets and limited space, this entry-level server could well be just the right fit.