IBM previewed the fourth generation of its chipset technology, X4, to be available in a high-end, scalable server leveraging the latest in quad-core processing technology from Intel.
The System x3950 M2 server will debut a new embedded hypervisor capability, enabling clients to easily deploy virtualized server applications right out of the box.
The new system will be ready for virtualization right out of the box by eliminating software setup and installation time. An internal USB interface will accommodate chip-based or “embedded” virtualization software preloaded on a 4GB USB flash storage device. The system offers double the memory slot capacity. Four times the amount of memory can be hosted on a single chassis compared to the previous system, enabling more virtualization workloads.
IBM has developed and released three generations of X-Architecture chipsets since 1997, and remains the only top-tier vendor in the industry to incorporate its own chipset in Intel-based servers. The third generation chipset, X3, introduced in 2005, was optimized for server consolidation and enterprise application software, and gave rise to widespread adoption of server virtualization solutions. By the end of 2006, IBM more than doubled its client engagements for virtualization on x86 systems enabling IBM clients to deploy on average a total of 1,000 virtual machines a day to address power consumption, heat dissipation and physical space limitations in the data center.
“Intel and IBM have a long-standing relationship developing innovative platforms for the enterprise that help businesses grow. We are very excited that IBM has continued to innovate with, and invest in Intel’s Expandable Xeon processor family by bringing out the fourth generation of their chipset,” said Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager of the Server Product Group, Intel. “By combining IBM’s X4 chipset and Intel’s quad-core processing technology, System x servers will continue to demonstrate leading-edge technology breakthroughs to make it easier for any company to reap the benefits of virtualizing its infrastructure.”