IBM Is King Once Again

IBM announced a new version of its business server line called "System i" that comes equipped with the internal built Power6 processor. The Power6 is according to IBM's claims the fastest computer processor it ever built. The new System i 570 uses the Power6 processor running at a clock frequency of 4.7GHz and has up to 16 separate cores.

First launched in 1988, the System i was called "Application System/400" and it was designed as a middle level business server. This server line has already outlived most of its direct competitors as it employs a "virtual instruction set which is independent of the hardware, and is designed to be easy to use for non-specialist IT staff in small-to-medium businesses", according to the news site ZDNetAsia. Apart from the hardware upgrade, the System i server line will receive a new operating system in 2008, which will offer support for Web services and virtualization, direct data encryption on disk and tape, advanced virtualization function for reducing the number of partitions.

"Nearly half of IBM's systems clients today have i5/OS installed in their enterprise," said Ross Mauri, general manager of IBM Power Systems, who was cited by ZDNetAsia. "IBM will continue to build on the integrated, easy-to-use, value proposition of i5/OS so clients can rely on this proven platform for their enterprise applications".

IBM will use a new method of setting prices for the System i line of servers, the "pay-as-you-use" lets users select one of the three server configuration available and add processing power and additional capabilities as needed. The i570 has support for a maximum of 160 virtual servers and IBM hopes it will subclass its competition at "server consolidation, saving floor space, reducing power and cooling costs".