The Atom processor may have originally been designed to run in low-cost ultra-small netbook computers but that didn’t stop PC manufacturers giving the diminutive chip a run in net-tops, the small desktop equivalent of a netbook as well as new all-in-ones, desktop computers that combine an LCD monitor and computer in the one unit, much like the Apple iMac.

But along with VIA’s recently release Nano processor, the Atom is now being released inside new server products from PC giants Dell and Acer.

Dell recently released a new series of high-density servers using the VIA Nano chip, aimed at running web hosting applications. It’s being called the XS11-VX8 ultra-light server and its form factor is so small, it’s barely larger than a traditional 3.5-inch desktop hard drive. Dell’s former codename for the server was “Fortuna”.

Up to 12 of these servers can be housed in a standard two-unit high rackmount chassis and the power consumption of the server is said to be less than 30-watts (30W). It consumes just 15-watts at idle.

Dell says it won’t be releasing these to all customers but will be sharing it with its data-warehousing and data-farming partners.

Meanwhile, one product that will see general home use is the new media server from Acer.

The Taiwanese PC giant announced the release of its easyStore home server in the US. The new unit will feature the little used Intel Atom 230 processor with 2GB of memory and 1000GB of hard drive storage. The unit is a four-bay network attached storage (NAS) device effectively with storage for up to 6000GB via four removable hard drives. The OS is Microsoft Windows Home Server.

The easyStore AH340-UA230N is available now in the US for $US399.

[via Digitimes, Dell, Slashgear]