IBM unveils new x86 servers for analytics and cloud

IBM has launched the sixth generation of its enterprise X-Architecture for System x and PureSystems servers together with relevant solutions in the ecosystem that provide improved performance and economics for x86-based systems used for analytics and cloud. 

Source: IBM

X86-based systems are the first choice for many companies adopting analytics for greater business insight and moving critical workloads like ERP, analytics and database to the cloud for increased efficiency and lower costs. 

"IBM's recent announcement of our latest System X6 technology is a perfect fit for the organisations here in Asia and Singapore facing cost pressures and the need to immediately capitalise on changing client and industry requirements. Specifically, the System X6 provides unmatched performance standards and ensures that an application environment is fast, agile and resilient, which are key attributes required for cloud delivery and analytics, emerging technologies all organisations are keen to adopt today," noted Daniel Tan, IBM System x Business Unit Executive, ASEAN.

"Especially here in the emerging markets of Asia Pacific, senior IT and business management teams are looking for resilient solution features provided by the System X6 which can save hours of down-time for unscheduled events, provide greater fault tolerance and better systems management capability. 

"In addition, its unique 'pay-as-you-grow' capability and 'fit-for-purpose' design points provide the lowest total cost of ownership, a key business advantage for resource-strapped companies. Also, the X6 with Flash Storage Memory provides the least latency in the industry which will be suited for newer generation workloads in the areas of analytics and cloud, enabling faster response times and smarter data management in real-time."
 
The X6 architecture is designed to provide new levels of performance and resiliency for enterprise applications.
 
Industry firsts with the X6 architecture include:

·        Integrated eXFlash memory-channel storage - this DIMM-based storage provides up to 12.8 terabytes of ultrafast flash storage close to the processor, increasing application performance by providing the lowest system write latency available.
·        The modular, scalable design supports multiple generations of CPUs and can reduce acquisition costs, up to 28% in comparison to one competitive offering*.

 

Source: IBM. View larger image here.

IBM also is introducing the System x3650 M4 BD storage server, a two-socket rack server supporting up to 14 drives delivering up to 56 terabytes of high-density storage -  the largest available in the industry.  

IBM has also announced new solutions for its X6 architecture for analytics, database and cloud deployment, including IBM System x Solution for DB2 with BLU Acceleration on X6 for accelerating analytics, IBM System x Solution for SAP HANA on X6 for analytics, and System x Solution for VMware vCloud Suite on X6 for infrastructure-as-a-service capabilities.

In the storage department, IBM has announced the general availability of the new IBM FlashSystem 840. The all-Flash array supports up to 48 terabytes of usable capacity in a 2U unit, and features IBM MicroLatency technology that significantly speeds data access times from milliseconds to microseconds (under 135 microseconds).

The new FlashSystem Enterprise Performance Solution bundles the FlashSystem 840 and IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller (SVC) technology. The solution includes a suite of advanced data management features.

The IBM software-defined environment (SDE) portfolio has been boosted with the introduction of IBM Platform Resource Scheduler, a fully virtualised, open and programmable architecture for private and hybrid IBM SmartCloud clients.

Credit-qualified clients can obtain fair market value leasing when acquiring X6 architecture solutions. Other offerings announced include 0% financing and deferred payments for 90 days when they acquire IBM PureSystems, SDE and storage technology. 

IBM Business Partners can leverage on IBM's new mobile financing application, allowing credit-qualified clients to acquire financing to deploy solutions for analytics, mobile computing, social business and Smarter Planet technologies quickly.


*28 percent acquisition cost savings based on pricing of x3850 X6 at announcement on 2/18 vs. current pricing of a comparable x86 based system that includes 2 x Intel Xeon E7-4820 (v1) processors, 1TB of memory (16GB RDIMMs) 3.6TB of HDD storage, and Dual Port 10GBe SFP+ controller. x3850 X6 includes 2 Compute Books, 2 x Intel Xeon E7 processors, 1TB of memory (16GB RDIMMs), 3.6TB of HDD storage, and Dual Port 10GBe SFP+ controller.