IBM to support x86 Linux apps on System P servers

IBM has introduced an open beta of a virtual Linux environment that enables x86 Linux applications to run without modification on Power processor-based IBM System p servers.

Once released, the technology – called the IBM System p Application Virtual Environment (System p AVE) – is designed to open up thousands of extra x86 Linux applications to the System p platform.

The beta follows IBM’s recent launch of three System p-based web-tier servers aimed at consolidating x86 Linux workloads.

With nearly 2,800 applications that already run natively on Linux on System p servers, System p AVE will allow most x86 Linux binaries to run unmodified as well, said IBM.

Customers and independent software suppliers can download and test System p AVE on their System p and BladeCenter JS20 and JS21 servers. The solution is expected to be commercially available in the second half of 2007.

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