IBM launches four-way web server

BANGALORE: IBM has introduced a new server, eServer p630 in the Unix server space, according to a press release. The new server gives the customer the option to 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. This enables a more efficient use of resources including processors, memory and I/O by automatically accommodating shifting workloads.

The IBM eServer p630 provides near continuous availability and the POWER4 microprocessor’s unique design enables the server to conserve energy. The p630 is built with 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 (TCO) by limiting service calls and downtime. The p630's rich set of features, coupled with its low price, underscores IBM's on-going commitment to leverage industry-leading IBM technology throughout its entire eServer product line.

"In developing the IBM eServer p630, we leveraged the exceptional capabilities of the IBM eServer p690 and p670, both of which have a strong history of beating the competition on both price and performance," said IBM India Limited Enterprise Systems Group Country Manager M Ganesh. "Equipped with POWER4 processors and extensive high-availability features, p630 has what it takes to transform the entry server market and provide customers with a competitive edge."

The p630 provides businesses with a low cost, high capacity platform for server consolidation, the release added. NEBS Level 3 and 48 Volt DC Power options will make the p630 an attractive and durable option for Telco customers. 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 the fastest four-way Web server, according to the rigorous SPECweb99_SSL benchmark, stated the release. 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.