Virtual World Developer MindArk to Use Latest HP Server Technology for CryENGINE 2 Upgrade

MindArk PE AB, Swedish developers of the Entropia Universe, today announced it will use the latest HP BladeSystem c-Class servers in its data centre to accommodate the upcoming transition of Entropia Universe to the CryENGINE®2 graphics engine. The deal was struck between EUSO AB, MindArk’s wholly owned subsidiary that manages operations and customer support for the virtual universe, and Benzler, HP Preferred Partner of the Year and Service Partner of the Year in Sweden for 2008.

EUSO CTO Mats Kling commented, “The HP BladeSystem c-Class innovates in the areas of virtualization, power and cooling, which can help MindArk to reduce both operational and capital expenditures for the growing number of data centres that will make up our virtual universe as it expands with the upcoming partner planets.”

MindArk’s evolving business model, which enables core Entropia Platform technology to be made available to third parties requiring high-quality, monetized virtual environments, requires a commitment to high-performance data centers. The demands of connecting all global users to one persistent virtual universe will also be facilitated by HP Virtual Connect Flex-10 network consolidation technology, which will provide all data center servers with flexible dual 10 GB network interfaces.

Patrik Orrvik, Account Manager at Benzler, added, “Understanding MindArk’s vision for the 3D internet was central to providing a data center solution. MindArk’s scalability requirements required a solution that fulfilled spatial, economical and environmental considerations. In today’s market the HP BladeSystem with Flex-10 technology is the only solution that can meet all of these demands in a cost-efficient way.”

Erik Hjalmarsson, Product Manager at HP Sweden, said, “Online entertainment such as the virtual Entropia Universe requires an agile technology platform that eliminates costly networking investments. By using Flex-10 technology within the HP BladeSystem the virtual universe can get the speed and connections that it needs for the gamers on the planets.”