Dell on Tuesday introduced two reference architectures and consulting services for customers migrating to Microsoft Exchange 2010.

The two architectural models, called the Agile Consolidation Model and the Simple Distributed Model, leverage Dell servers and storage in deploying Exchange 2010.

The Agile Consolidation Model targets customers building a data center that incorporates virtualization for server and storage consolidation. The hardware foundation for this model includes the Dell PowerEdge blade or rack servers paired with EqualLogic PS series or Dell/EMC CX4/AX4 storage area network products.

As the name implies, the Simple Distributed Model is for deploying Exchange 2010 in a less complex environment. This model leverages server and storage components through Dell's PowerEdge R51, which doesn't require external storage; or through a standard PowerEdge rack server with a direct attached storage device, such as the Dell PowerVault MD1000.

The consulting services include assessment, design, and implementation of the migration. The assessment includes business, technical, and operational requirements, and the design matches the customer's requirements with hardware. Dell also offers support for both hardware and the Microsoft messaging platform.

The latest offering is a reflection of Dell's ongoing transformation from a pure hardware vendor to a company that also provides services to drive more hardware sales, a model that has been used successfully by rivals Hewlett-Packard and IBM.

Dell in September announced plans to acquire Texas-based outsourcer Perot Systems for $3.9 billion. The computer maker plans to launch a new unit, Dell Services, into which it will integrate Perot's tech and business services offerings. The deal is expected to close this year.

Perot's expertise is in integration, deployment, and management of IT assets. In September it launched a cloud integration service under which it advises customers on cloud computing architectures, combines offerings from different vendors, and hosts and manages cloud solutions from its data centers.

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