Companies that use Web 2.0-style computing have a unique set of technology needs and challenges. With their massive data centers, for example, they spend 10 to 30 times more on energy per square foot than a typical office building. To address that and other issues, IBM has introduced an entirely new category of server designed especially for data centers with tens of thousands of servers.
The IBM "iDataPlex" system incorporates a new design that:
- More than doubles the number of systems that can run in a single IBM rack,
- Uses 40 percent less power while increasing the amount of computing that can be done by a factor of five,
- Can be outfitted with a liquid cooled wall on the back of the system that enables it to run at "room temperature" -- no air conditioning required,
- Uses all industry standard components as well as open source software such as Linux to help lower costs.
"With iDataPlex, IBM is making Web 2.0-style computing more efficient and commercializing it for Internet companies and other high performance segments like financial services and research," said Bill Zeitler, senior vice president of IBM Systems and Technology Group. "iDataPlex can provide a foundation that companies can build on to provide improved services to Web users around the world."
The new server will be available in the US and Canada in June. It will be available worldwide by the end of the year.
Learn more:
IBM Debuts New Category of Server for Web 2.0 Computing (press release)