Sun Microsystems has previewed what it claims is the first and only four-socket, 2U quad-core server from a tier-one vendor.

Powered by the newly unveiled Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 7300 series, the device is designed for network services consolidation, compute services and database applications.

The server will be widely available within 60 days, according to Sun, and the company plans to offer "various systems" based on the Xeon 7300 series to meet the needs of multiple market segments.

John Fowler, executive vice president of the Systems Group at Sun, said: " The Quad-Core Intel Xeon 7300 series platform enables us to build a whole new range of servers that integrate the very best features in system design, virtualisation and system management."

The rapprochement between former foes Intel and Sun continued at the launch of the server when the chip giant endorsed Solaris.

"In addition to announcing the 7300 series today, Intel is reinforcing its commitment to Solaris as a mainstream operating system and the enterprise-class, mission critical Unix OS for Intel Xeon processor-based servers," said Tom Kilroy, vice president and general manager of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group.