HP has unveiled its new C class blade system architecture that promises to dramatically reduce maintenance costs and make for more agile data centres.

"This new architecture is going to drive a new agenda to blade everything," Ann Livermore, executive vice president of HP's Technology Solutions Group, said at an event at the company's Silicon Valley headquarters.

The new system promises to cut hardware acquisition costs by 41 per cent, deliver 60 per cent savings for the data centre facility and reduce initial set up time by 96 per cent, Livermore claimed.

The C class system also offers improvements in networking, power and cooling management as well as management costs.

It is the first on the market to offer a 2in LCD screen on the front of the unit that informs users of potential problems and allows them to change basic settings.

It also comes with software that lets users allocate resources to virtual systems without having to change the wiring.

The new C class systems are scheduled to replace HP's current P class blade systems, which will be discontinued by 2007. P class support is set to cease by 2012.

Livermore claimed that the new blade architecture will form the core of the company's future data centres. The manufacturer is aiming to save $1bn annually by consolidating its current 85 data centres into six new facilities.