Dell Technologies Inc. company Dell EMC and Super Micro Computer Inc. are refreshing their data center server lineups with new systems based on Intel Corp.’s latest second-generation Xeon Scalable processors.

The new servers introduced today also incorporate Intel’s Optane DC persistent memory and its Deep Learning Boost technology designed to accelerate artificial intelligence workloads.

Intel’s second-generation Xeon Scalable processors are said to be faster and more efficient than earlier generations, while the Optane DC persistent memory helps to increase storage capacity. Combining the two means better overall performance and a reduced total cost of ownership, as well as greater control and security features, the companies said. Meanwhile, Intel’s Deep Learning Boost tech is meant to speed up the performance of specific workloads that need greater processing power, such as in-memory databases, virtualization and data analytics.

In the case of Dell EMC, it’s updating both its line of premium PowerEdge servers and its OpenManage systems that are used to manage them. The latter updates are interesting, since they deliver more flexibility for data center operators by enabling servers to be managed directly from an operating system instead of a typical management network.

The new OpenManage system architectures also help to reduce the number of consoles needed to match users’ specific needs, the company said. In addition, new mobile capabilities give data center operators the option to manage their infrastructure from a mobile device. For example, users can now view a graphical representation of any incidents that occur, and take actions to remedy them, directly from a smartphone.

OpenManage also provides new tools for configuring servers that leverage Intel’s new Optane DC persistent memory. The new system is able to automate the configuration of BIOS, drives and memory, and then replicate these settings across multiple servers.

The PowerEdge servers themselves benefit from the increased performance of Intel’s new second-generation Xeon Scalable processors. Dell EMC claims a 40% increase in performance for core business applications, for example. And with the new Intel Optane DC persistent memory, in-memory databases, virtualization and analytics workloads benefit from 2.5 times greater memory capacity, the company said.

Patrick Moorhead, president and principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, told SiliconANGLE the best new feature in Intel’s 2nd generation Xeon chips are its new machine learning capabilities, which are great for inference workloads such as reference engines, where latency really counts.

“The 2nd Gen Xeons also support Optane Persistent Memory, which for applications like HANA, can radically improve TCO,” Moorhead confirmed. “Intel’s tuning capabilities will be strongly accepted by cloud service providers.”

Similar improvements can be found in Supermicro’s new line of servers, which includes a staggering 100-plus updated systems. The company offers an extremely broad portfolio of server offerings optimized for just about any kind of situation or customer, including special resource-saving servers; “Ultra SuperServers” for maximum performance; “All-Flash” servers for high-performance apps that demand minimal latency; and “multi processor” systems for in-memory databases and real-time analytics. All of these systems are being updated with Intel’s latest processors, resulting in improved performance, reduced total cost of ownership and less impact on the environment, Supermicro officials said.

“Our designs take full advantage of 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors’ new features such as 10% faster DIMMs, 1.5 times more memory capacity, faster CPU frequency up to 3.8GHz, and Intel Optane DC persistent memory,” said Supermicro Chief Executive Charles Liang.

Dell EMC said its new PowerEdge server lineup will become generally available April 16, while its OpenManage updates will roll out in the second quarter. Intel Optane DC persistent memory will also be made available on select servers in the second quarter.

Supermicro hasn’t yet said when it will make its refreshed servers generally available.

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