IBM’s New Netfinity Systems Get Boost from “Big-Server” Technology
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SOMERS, NY (September 22, 1998) – IBM today announced three new Netfinity servers that mark a new stage in the evolution of Wintel-based hardware. The new machines include key advancements drawn from the world of mainframes and supercomputers to deliver new levels of speed, reliability and management — performance that was previously out of the reach of Windows NT-class servers.
The new 7000M10 is the latest Netfinity(R) machine to be armor-plated with “big-server” features. Future blueprints call for IBM to integrate such technologies as the SP switch — supercomputer technology that is designed to handle thousands of nodes — to its Netfinity line while maintaining compatibility with Intel microprocessors and Microsoft software, especially Windows NT.(R)
Prices for open-bay models of the new Netfinity servers start as low as $2,795. (1)
A Blueprint for the Future, IBM Style
“We will blend the best IBM technologies — the stuff that powered the Nagano Olympics and Deep Blue — with the best of the Wintel architecture to create hardware that stands apart from the pack,” said William Colton, general manager, Netfinity Servers. “We’ll also use IBM’s world-leading Microelectronics and Storage divisions to give us additional advantages.”
Netfinity features that trace their lineage to IBM’s “big servers” include: parallel clustering technology; adapters for superfast, direct-attach to S/390 systems; award-winning Light Path Diagnostics; multibit error-correcting memory technologies and hot-swap components. IBM also plans to build accessory chips and custom silicon for future Netfinity models using the company’s industry-leading chip-building processes: copper and silicon-on-insulator.
Additionally, IBM announced its first branded Fibre Channel storage products — a collection of new technology that allows data to be transmitted throughout the enterprise at speeds of up to 100 megabytes per second, and over distances of up to 10 kilometers. That’s nearly twice as fast and 400 times as far as current systems allow. Fibre Channel will be a focus area for IBM as it begins to create exciting new storage options for Netfinity users.
(For more information see http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/news/netfinity/index.html for: “Netfinity 7000M10 Sweeps Industry Benchmarks” and “The Mainframe Comes to the Department: Netfinity 5500 Wins Best of Show at PC Expo”)
New Netfinity Servers and Accessories
The three new Netfinity servers announced today all include IBM’s eye-catching Light Path Diagnostics; a series of lights that let technicians troubleshoot Netfinity systems as if they were copiers or printers. All Netfinity servers also come standard with Netfinity Manager software.
Netfinity 7000M10: IBM’s new top-of-the-line, Intel processor-based server — a 4-way, 400MHz(2) Pentium(R) II Xeon(TM) system that continues to sweep industry benchmarks in 1998. Features include:
up to 8GB of 50ns ECC memory;
12 hot-plug PCI slots;
high-availability (redundant and hot-plug PCI, fans, hard drives and power supplies);
Predictive Failure Alert on processors, fans, hard drives and power supplies;
Remote troubleshooting maintenance can be done via LAN, web browser, or other modem connections. A special service processor operates independently of system status — works even if the system is down;
support for Fibre Channel storage.
support for Gigabit Ethernet or High Speed Token Ring
Estimated reseller prices start at $11,399 for open-bay models and are available now.
Netfinity 55000M10: An enhanced version of IBM’s award-winning 5500. Now includes Intel (R) Pentium II Xeon processors. New features include:
2-way, 400MHz Pentium II Xeon processors;
maximum of 2GB 100MHz ECC memory.
Estimated reseller prices start at $6,999 for open-bay models and are available now.
Netfinity 5000: A new 2-way system based on Pentium II, “Slot-1” technology. IBM’s highly affordable, feature-rich offering. Includes Light Path Diagnostics. Key features include:
400/350MHz Pentium II processors with planned upgradability to 450MHz*;
64MB 100MHz ECC memory, upgradable to 1GB;
Innovative 350-watt power supply with redundant capability;
Advanced systems management processor are standard.
Estimated reseller prices start at $2795. Planned availability in the 4Q98.
ESCON Adapter: Add-on card that creates high-capacity, highly reliable, bi-directional data highway between Netfinity servers and S/390 servers. Allows direct connection to S/390. Transfer rates of approximately 200-megabits per second (about twice as fast as the most popular Ethernet technology allows).
Provides failsafe recovery — virtually impossible to lose data.
Access apps for ERP, business intelligence, data mining, warehousing and others.
Integrates with IBM Communications Services to provide optimized communication between S/390 and Netfinity servers.
Estimated reseller prices start at $12,500. Planned availability beginning in October.
Fibre Channel Enterprise Storage Options
The IBM Netfinity brand’s first full Fibre Channel solution includes a new expansion cabinet, Fibre-RAID controller, host adapter and hubs that use the latest Fibre Channel technology for transmission speeds of 100-megabytes per second. The solution connects servers and storage up to 10 kilometers apart, increases scalability, speed and allows for better disaster protection capabilities. Through this Fibre Channel solution and its support for Netfinity Cluster Enabler V1.0, IBM is able to offer the industry’s first certified six-node Oracle(R) Parallel Server using Fibre Channel storage. IBM’s Fibre Channel solutions price varies depending upon configuration and level of implementation.
Fibre Channel components include:
Netfinity Fibre Channel RAID Controller Unit – includes a Netfinity Fibre Channel RAID controller and hot-swap redundant fans and power supplies. Features include 128MB cache and support for RAID levels 0, 1, 3 and 5
Netfinity Fibre Channel Failsafe RAID Controller – a six-channel Arbitrated Loop (FCAL)-to-SCSI interconnect for fault-tolerant redundancy.
Netfinity Fibre Channel PCI Adapter – a 64/32-bit PCI to FCAL host adapter, allowing up to 126 devices and six terabytes of storage per slot
Netfinity Fibre Channel Hub – a seven-port Fibre Channel Hub chassis with four standard Netfinity Fibre Channel Short-Wave GBIC (GigaBit Interface Converters)
GBIC options – short-wave and long-wave
Short-wave cables – 5 M and 25 M lengths
Enterprise Storage Options
ServeRAID-3H Ultra2 High-End SCSI RAID Adapter: Allows for 64-bit data streams; 32-bit addressing. Ultra2 SCSI technology now supported, allowing for data transfer rates of 80MB/sec and connections over greater distances (25m) than current SCSI implementations. Three channels supporting up to 45 hard drives. 32-MB cache standard. Hot pluggable. Optional battery backup available with additional 32MB of cache.
ServeRAID-3L Ultra2 Entry-Level SCSI RAID Adapter: A 32-bit, one-channel adapter card that supports up to 15 hard drives. Hot pluggable with 4MB cache. A cost-effective RAID solution.
Netfinity EXP15: This 10-bay storage enclosure represents the next generation of the popular Netfinity EXP10 storage expansion enclosure. With high availability in mind, the EXP15 was designed to include redundant and hot-swap hard drives, fans and power supplies. Supporting 182GB(3) of high-performance 10K RPM storage, the EXP15 is the perfect complement to the Netfinity Fibre Channel or SCSI solution. New features include:
support for 40 MB/sec data transfers — now — over distances up to 12 meters, and in clustering applications, using a supported Ultra 2 adapter;
larger power supplies – supports full configurations with full redundancy;
systems management – temperature, fans, power supplies, and unit identification;
improved two-way host adapter clustering.
NetMEDIA Storage Expansion Unit EL — This is a 3U rack- or stack-mountable unit (Netfinity Rack or NetBAY solutions) designed for external tape backup and restore capability; capacities for 2 DLT or 4 DAT and 8mm tape devices; LVDS-enabled with 2 independent 65-watt power supplies.
IBM SystemXtra(TM)
The new Netfinity servers are available through IBM SystemXtra, which combines technology, services, software, training and financing — all for a single monthly invoice. SystemXtra also offers a unique technology exchange option, which enables customers to upgrade their Netfinity servers anytime after 24 months. This provides access to the latest server technology, reducing the capital outlay with specialized leasing programs.
Customers can also finance their Netfinity server solutions through IBM Global Financing. IBM’s flexible, below-market rate financing offerings make IBM products and services more affordable for customers, with fixed monthly payments that enable them to acquire more technology and conserve capital for other investments. In addition, IBM will finance non-IBM software and services, offering customers a total financing package for their total solution. IBM’s Global Financing organization operates in more than 40 countries worldwide.
Source: IBM