Penguin Computing Expands Product Line with Four Processor Linux Server; New Relion 5000 Application and Database Server Features Four Intel Xeon MP Processors

Business Wire, Oct 31, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 2002

Penguin Computing Inc., the leader in world-class Linux hardware, software, and service, announced today the immediate availability of its next generation Intel(R)-based Relion class server. The new Relion 5000 is targeted for database and application customers who specifically require large amounts of parallel processing power, connectivity and storage options, coupled with exceptionally high availability and reliability -- all in a rackmount form factor.

The immense computational capacity of the Relion 5000 is driven by four Intel(R) Xeon(TM) MP processors with speeds up to 1.6GHz and a large 1MB Advanced Transfer Cache with Hyper-Threading Technology. Large memory support is a must for database applications and the Relion 5000 delivers support for 12GB of PC2100 ECC DDR RAM on release -- and an incredible 24GB as 2GB DDR DIMMs proliferate. "This is an exceptional amount of power in a 4U chassis," said Sam Ockman, President / CEO of Penguin Computing. "The Relion 5000 represents the current pinnacle of Intel Xeon performance."

The Relion 5000 has failover-capable network connections on the motherboard -- one copper gigabit and one 10/100. The included storage subsystem is a five hot-swap SCSI disk cage, with an optional fixed drive in the available 5.25" slot for your Linux OS. In addition, these systems can both be expanded with additional PCI cards, which operate through five peer PCI buses providing 3 GB/sec of I/O bandwidth for the six available hot-plug PCI-X (64-bit/100MHz) slots and two 32-bit/33MHz slots. Ethernet cards are available from single 10/100 connections up to high-speed gigabit over fibre and dual port gigabit over copper cards. Additional storage comes from PCI-based RAID options coupled with Penguin Computing External Disk Enclosures to provide up to 4 terabytes of attached storage.

All of the processing power in the Relion 5000 is irrelevant without consistent uptime. In addition to the failover-network interfaces, RAID card storage redundancy, and the hot-plug PCI features, the system also has three 430-watt hot-swap power supply modules for redundant power, coupled with 6 hot swap fans in a 5 1 configuration.

The release of the Relion 5000 completes Penguin Computing's product transition from Pentium III architecture to Pentium 4 and Xeon products in the Relion line. "Penguin Computing is once again leading the way in Linux server solutions, with five rackmount server platforms built around the absolute latest Intel technology," said Cub Karabian, Director of Product Marketing for Penguin Computing. "We will continue to improve our Relion line with greater feature sets and production improvements, but the current lineup represents the core of our highly focused Intel server product strategy."

Ordering information and complete technical specifications on the new Relion 5000 are available at www.penguincomputing.com. As with all Penguin Computing systems, the Relion 5000 is configurable on the website, specifically tailored to a customer's needs from component options to disk partition sizes. On the site, customers can also find details on Penguin Computing's award-winning customer and technical support, plus the variety of comprehensive support options available for the Relion 5000. In addition, information is available on Penguin Computing's other customizable server and workstation products. Customers can also call 888/PENGUIN (736-4846) to discuss even more complex modification of their hardware, software and service needs related to the Relion 5000.

About Penguin Computing

Penguin Computing delivers fully integrated infrastructure solutions, professional services and support to its customers through cutting edge technology and unique customization capabilities -- all achieved with the Linux operating system. Founded in 1998 by Open Source advocate Sam Ockman, Penguin Computing is based in San Francisco, California and is privately held.