For example, the wiring from dozens of stacked boxes becomes very complicated and difficult to manage. More importantly, a larger number of thin servers would need clustering management technologies for load balancing and fail over. With many new technologies, small companies often pioneer the market. So it is not surprising to see that the new server-density announcements come from small companies. But it would be difficult for a smaller server company to make much headway against some of the major players, such as IBM and Compaq Computer.
New technology represents only part of the equation.
The major companies have the marketing muscle and channel breadth to push the new technology to the mainstream. To survive on its own, the small company must continue to innovate ahead of its big brothers. The hard truth is that for many small companies, an OEM agreement represents the height of success. Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein represents Gartner's initial commentary and analysis and has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable.