A server architecture that houses multiple server modules ("blades") in a single chassis. It is widely used in datacenters to save space and improve system management. Either self-standing or rack mounted, the chassis provides the power supply, and each blade has its own CPU, memory and hard disk. Redundant power supplies may be an option. Blade servers generally provide their own management systems and may include a network or storage switch. Contrast with blade PC.

Diskless Blades
With enterprise-class blade servers, disk storage is external, and the blades are diskless. This approach allows for more efficient failover because applications are not tied to specific hardware and a particular instance of the operating system. The blades are anonymous and interchangeable. See blade and processor area network.