IBM has previewed the fourth generation of its chipset technology, X4, to be available in a high-end, scalable server leveraging the latest in quad-core processing technology from Intel. The System x3950 M2 server will debut a new embedded hypervisor capability, enabling customers to easily deploy virtualised server applications right out of the box.
X4 marks significant advances in performance, availability and processing efficiencies for its System x line of servers, adding to IBMs X-Architecture portfolio of innovation for x86 and blade servers. X4 will enable richer x86 server configurations to fuel the growth of virtualization on high-end systems. Several other new features will allow clients to easily adopt virtualisation.
The new system will be ready for virtualisation right out of the box by eliminating software setup and installation time. An internal USB interface will accommodate chip-based or embedded virtualisation software preloaded on a 4GB USB flash storage device
The new system offers double the memory slot capacity. Four times the amount of memory can be hosted on a single chassis compared to the previous system, enabling more virtualisation workloads.
IBM has developed and released three generations of X-Architecture chipsets since 1997, and remains the only top-tier vendor in the industry to incorporate its own chipset in Intel-based servers. The third generation chipset, X3, introduced in 2005, was optimized for server consolidation and enterprise application software, and gave rise to widespread adoption of server virtualization solutions. By the end of 2006, IBM more than tripled its client engagements for virtualization on x86 systems enabling IBM clients to deploy on average a total of 1,000 virtual machines a day to address power consumption, heat dissipation and physical space limitations in the data center.
IBMs steadfast investment to design and build mainframe-inspired capabilities for industry-standard servers has helped to propel it to the industry leadership position in high-end x86 computing, making it easier for clients to adopt a virtualisation, (1) said James Northington, vice president and business line executive, IBM System x. With X-Architecture, IBM successfully blended enterprise capabilities with the volume economies of x86 computing. With consistent investment in innovation, IBM is well-positioned to help clients optimize their data centers for growth into the next decade.
"Intel and IBM have a long-standing relationship developing innovative platforms for the enterprise that help businesses grow. We are very excited that IBM has continued to innovate with, and invest in Intel's Expandable Xeon processor family by bringing out the 4th generation of their chipset, said Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager of the Server Product Group, Intel. "By combining IBM's X-Architecture and Intel's quad-core processing technology, System x servers will continue to demonstrate leading edge technology breakthroughs to make it easier for any company to reap the benefits of virtualising its infrastructure."
Availability
The IBM System x3950 M2 server is planned to be available in volume starting in the fourth quarter of 2007.
About IBM X-Architecture
By leveraging IBM's mainframe and supercomputer chip experience, the company has consistently enhanced three industry-standard server components -- processors, memory and I/O -- to deliver unparalleled high-end capabilities to x86 computing. Since 1997, IBM has developed leading edge server architecture to provide high performance and mainframe-inspired reliability that creates the ideal platform for today's database processing and highly consolidated, virtual server environments. IBMs third generation chipset, X3, is the basis for all System x and BladeCenter products. IBM is set to release its latest generation chipset, X4 marking significant advances in performance, availability and processing efficiencies for its x86 line of servers.
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