IBM (NYSE: IBM) 
, in collaboration with Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) , has made available the design specifications for the IBM eServer BladeCenter platform. The specifications should allow hardware vendors to create BladeCenter-compatible products and participate in the blade server market.
According to IBM, the design specifications are intended to help hardware vendors develop and build BladeCenter-compatible networking switches, adapter cards and appliance and communications blades for enterprise networks. The BladeCenter design integrates storage 
, servers and networking in a single chassis.
"Customers have made it clear that they desire the ability to use products that are easily integrated and managed," said Jeff Benck, vice president of IBM's eServer BladeCenter. "The opening of the BladeCenter specifications continues Intel's and IBM's commitment to industry collaboration and to delivering the value, flexibility and choice that customers expect from blade servers."
IBM and Intel will provide technical support to assist product development, including design guidelines and hands-on, fee-based support from IBM.
"Third-party hardware vendors have been looking for ways to participate in the rapidly growing blade server market," said Jeff Richardson, general manager of Intel's enterprise products and services division. "The public availability of the design specifications provides hardware vendors access to the blades market serviced by the BladeCenter platform as well as supporting IBM's and Intel's effort to establish a broader portfolio of third-party value-add products."
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