ARMONK, NEW YORK, June 26, 2002 -- IBM re-energized the $7.8 billion[1] entry UNIX server space with the introduction of a POWER4-based eServer that nearly doubles[2] the performance of Sun's just announced V480. A smaller version of IBM's groundbreaking IBM eServer p690, the IBM eServer p630 targets the heart of Sun Microsytems' product lineup ? the one-to-four processor UNIX server segment that provided Sun with 37 percent of its total revenue in 2001, according to industry analyst IDC[3].
IBM is already building momentum in this space, gaining 1.8 points of share in the first quarter while Sun's share plummeted 7.5 points, according to IDC[4].
Ready to run Linux, the IBM eServer p630 is the world's first entry UNIX system that customers will be able to divide into up to four "virtual" servers. These systems, which can be as small as a single processor, will automatically change in size to accommodate shifting workloads. Sun's V480, by contrast, cannot be sub-divided.
The IBM eServer p630 provides small-to-medium businesses to large enterprises with an affordable server equipped with the performance and reliability features needed in running a business. The p630 also allows organizations, such as hospitals, financial institutions, and ebusiness with small but critical functions to right-size their applications resulting in significant cost savings.
When comparing the IBM eServer p630 to other systems in its class, the delta in performance and reliability, serviceability, and availability features is clear.
IBM eServer p630 Sun V 480
Web Performance (SPECweb99_SSL) 1050 568
Processor Speed 1.0 GHz 900MHz
Copper/Silicon-on-Insulator Processors Yes No
Dynamic LPAR Yes No
(split system into virtual servers)
Chipkill Memory Yes No
(for superior reliability)
Dynamic Processor Deallocation Yes No
First Failure Data Capture Yes No
Native Linux Support Yes [6] No
Linux in a Partition Yes [7] No
The IBM eServer p630 is the fastest four way Web server, according to the rigorous SPECweb99_SSL benchmark. The SPECweb99_SSL measures a server's ability to support a given number of secure Web users while maintaining certain performance requirements. The p630 supported 1,050 simultaneous connections far outpacing the 568 simultaneous connections achieved by the Sun V480.
The p630's rich feature-set coupled with its low price underscores IBM's on going commitment to leverage industry-leading, IBM-developed technology throughout the entire eServer product line.
Key Features:
Four Virtual Servers -- The IBM eServer p630 can either be operated as a single large server or divided into as many as four "virtual" servers, running AIX 5L or Linux in one or multiple partitions. The ability to create virtual servers with as little as one processor enables a more efficient use of resources including processors, memory and I/O. By contrast, the "hard" partitions in Sun servers require at least two chips, regardless of workload. The p630 will also be the first one-to-four-way server to feature Dynamic Logical Partitioning (LPAR), the ability to dynamically reconfigure partitions without an interruption in service for maximum flexibility.
LPAR, because of its ability to separate and rebalance workloads, is especially beneficial to customers operating independent environments within one server, such as test and production level applications, organizations consolidating resources, and for customers with high availability requirements.
Operating System Flexibility -- The IBM eServer p630 is supported by the industry's fastest growing operating system[8], AIX 5L. AIX 5L provides a full 64-bit kernel with proven performance, reliability and leading systems management technologies such as AIX Workload Manager. AIX includes a set of Linux affinity tools that allow customers to run many popular Linux applications on the p630 while maintaining the enterprise features of AIX. Native Linux support for the p630 is anticipated for later this year.
Server on a Chip -- IBM's POWER4 microprocessor, widely acknowledged to be at least one generation ahead of competing chips, is the first "server on a chip," containing two one-gigahertz-plus processors, a high-bandwidth system switch, a large memory cache and I/O interface. POWER4 ? faster than any competitor's 64-bit chip -- has a unique design that enables the server to conserve energy[9].
Self-Healing Architecture -- The IBM pSeries 630 is built with technology from IBM's Project eLiza initiative, which provides multiple layers of self-healing technologies to guard against and recover from system failure. A high level of redundancy and self-management helps maintain a low total cost of ownership by limiting service calls and downtime.
High Availability Clusters -- For near continuous availability, from two to 32 IBM eServer 630 servers can be clustered using IBM High Availability Cluster Multiprocessing (HACMP) software. HACMP helps minimize downtime of both systems and applications and provides a superior base for high availability.
Room to Grow -- The IBM eServer p630 provides an ideal solution for customers looking for a low-cost initial investment with excellent growth options. The p630 is expandable to four processors, 16 GB of memory, four hot-swappable disks and four hot-plug PCI-X slots. IBM plans to offer a remote I/O drawer, which will increase the amount of logical partitions that can be defined, as well as the overall number of hot-swappable disks and hot-plug PCI-X slots further enhancing scalability.
Easy Access -- To make systems management and service as easy as possible, the p630 allows front access to major system components and cables. The system also offers wireless manageability using a hand-held personal computing device or via cable through a console port.
Small Footprint -- The IBM p630 is a space saver with its two ultra-dense packaging options. The system is available in both rack mountable and a deskside configurations, which offer the same processing power and scalability options.
The IBM eServer p630 provides businesses with a low cost, high capacity platform for server consolidation. NEBS Level 3 and -48 Volt DC Power options will make the p630 an attractive and durable option for Telco customers[10]. The server is also highly suitable as a development platform for ISVs or for high-performance computing environments, which can take advantage of the excellent floating point performance of POWER4.
The IBM eServer p630 is competitively priced at $12,495[11]. Planned availability for the pSeries 630 is August 30, 2002[12].
For more information
IBM Nederland
Ester Riemersma
020 - 513 3505
ester_riemersma@nl.ibm.com
Brodeur Worldwide
Tara van Oyen
020 ?346 20 00
t.vanoyen@nl.brodeur.com
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[1] Market size according to IDC Quarterly Server Forecast, June 2002
[2] based on SPECweb99_SSL results for IBM p630 and Sun V 480 posted on http://www.specbench.org. Results current as of June 24, 2002.
[3] According to IDC Quarterly Server Tracker 1Q02.
[4] According to IDC Quarterly Server Tracker 1Q02.
[5] Dynamic reconfiguration of partitions (LPAR) planned availability in the second half of 2002.
[6] IBM anticipates that support for the IBM eServer p630 will be available from one or more Linux distributors in the third quarter of 2002.
[7] Planned for the second half of 2002.
[8] According to IDC Quarterly Server Tracker.
[9] Based on SPECfp2000 results posted on http://www.specbench.org. Results current as of June 24, 2002.
[10] Planned availability is the first quarter of 2003.
[11] Based on U.S. list price for the minimum IBM eServer p630 1-way configuration, effective June 24, 2002. Reseller prices may vary.
[12] Planned worldwide availability for the IBM eServer p630 is August 30, 2002 (exception: availability in the People's Republic of China is planned for September 27, 2002).
The IBM eServer brand consists of the established IBM e-business logo with the following descriptive term "server'' following it. IBM, the e-business logo, Project eLiza, Chipkill, AIX, AIX 5L, and pSeries are trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries licensed exclusively through The Open Group.
Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds.
SPEC, SPECfp2000, and SPECweb99_SSL are a trademarks of Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC).
All other company, product and service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
(C) 2002 International Business Machines Corporation, all rights reserved.