IBM Unveils Intel-Based Servers to Improve Business Security and Efficiency

IBM today introduced five servers based on Intel's new 64-bit Xeon DP processor that use new technologies to increase server efficiency. Building on existing sophisticated, high-performance features in its eServer product-line, the eServer xSeries and BladeCenter systems include mainframe-inspired technologies such as Calibrated Vectored Cooling.

The eServer xSeries and BladeCenter servers, based on dual 64-bit Intel Xeon processors, boast a larger integrated 2MB L2 cache, providing up to an 18 percent performance boost based on informal Intel benchmarks. The processor also features two new functions, Demand Based Switching (DBS) and Execute Disable Bit (XD), that build on the sophisticated, high-performance features which IBM has incorporated into its xSeries product-line. These unique features offered by IBM are inspired by legendary IBM mainframes and supercomputers.

"These new innovations from IBM and Intel offer clients more control over their processing power than ever before," commented Alex Yost, director, IBM eServer xSeries products. "As the need for smarter power use increases, customers need solutions that will help them manage their options and secure their systems against the threat of intrusion and instability."

New power efficiency and security functions

DBS better manages processing power in order to reduce cooling costs in the datacenter. For example, if a company's e-mail application required less power at night, DBS would automatically lower the power utilization of the application, thereby lowering the server's power consumption and helping reduce cooling costs. DBS has the capability to reduce system power consumption by as much as 24 percent.

DBS fits with IBM Calibrated Vectored Cooling, one of the industry's most advanced systems-cooling architectures based on decades of IBM systems engineering. Calibrated Vectored Cooling optimizes the path of cooled air flow through the system, allowing IBM to use fewer fans while maximizing system density. By layering DBS on top of its Calibrated Vectored Cooling, IBM will provide the most efficient Intel-based servers on the market.

IBM will also leverage the new DBS technology in its forthcoming Power Executive solution to provide advanced power management at the solution and rack level for xSeries and BladeCenter servers.

In addition to DBS, IBM will support the new Intel XD feature across its entire xSeries line to provide customers with a new level of security. XD offers virus protection from buffer overflow system security and worm attacks to prevent data loss.

Availability

The new 64-bit Intel Xeon processors will be available on the IBM eServer xSeries 226, 236, 336 and 346, as well as the IBM eServer BladeCenter HS20, by the end of February.

About IBM

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. For more information about IBM, visit www.ibm.com.

IBM, the IBM logo, eServer, xSeries, BladeCenter and Calibrated Vectored Cooling are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.

Intel and Xeon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

All other company/product names and service marks may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Contact: Tim Willeford IBM Corporation 978-878-3245 twilleford@us.ibm.com