IBM is enhancing its line of x86 servers with the
introduction of four, quad-core IBM systems and a new blade
utilising the quad-core Intel Xeon 5300 processor.
The computer giant claims that System x servers provide a whole
new level of value for clients, delivering three- to four-times
performance of systems that the company offered less than 12 months
ago, enhanced systems management capabilities, expanded memory and
input/output. When combined with the built-in virtualisation and
power management, IBM says that the new systems enable clients to
consolidate applications onto fewer, more powerful servers and keep
control over energy spending in the datacentre.
"The introduction of quad-core processors to the industry
further drives the need for innovative server designs so that
clients can take full advantage of the new capability. At the same
time, it's also accelerating the need for clients to virtualise
their infrastructure to simplify and get the most out of these
systems," comments Jim Gargan, vice-president and business line
executive, IBM System x."
On the x3650, memory and input/output keep each processor fed
with data so that workloads can be executed at top speeds on all
four cores. The SPECint_rate benchmark comparing System x3650 with
the quad core processors to the System x3650 with dual core
processors reported a 64% performance improvement by the system
with quad core processors.
To leverage the new performance capability of multicore servers,
IBM feels that many customers will move to virtualisation solutions
to run multiple applications per server. The new System x servers
support virtualisation solutions and with the integration of IBM
Virtualisation Manager into new IBM Director 5.2, clients can
manage from a single console both physical and virtual machines for
VMware, Microsoft Virtual Server; and Xen environments on IBM
System x and BladeCentre.