Intel shows support for IBM Enterprise X-Architecture

Following on recent launch of the eServer p690 "Regatta", IBM will now deliver many of the same capabilities to Intel-based systems -- the eServer xSeries line -- and incorporate IBM's advanced technologies such as copper chips and silicon-on-insulator.

Three years ago IBM bet the farm on its Intel server business - now, Big Blue will start reaping the harvest with the industry's first server based on Intel's new Foster processor and the debut of Enterprise X-Architecture, the industry's only mainframe-like technology that bridges today's 32-bit applications with tomorrow's 64-bit systems.

How could IBM do this while other Intel server vendors are still waiting for the next generation of Itanium to deliver them to the high end. Three years ago, IBM placed a bet -- that 32-bit Intel computing had a lot of life left in it before Intel 64-bit Itanium systems gather enough momentum. IBM listened to customers who asked for high end systems now --- as they waited and waited for Itanium to take off and be ready for 'prime time'.

"With Enterprise X-Architecture, you can upgrade your high end Intel based servers - rather than replace them," said Andy Parkinson, Sales Manager IBM eServer xSeries, Middle East, Egypt, Pakistan. "With our building block modules, much like stereo components, you can "Pay as You Grow" and add more processing power when you need it. Enterprise X-Architecture brings server consolidation and physical partitioning to Intel servers for workload consolidation to support multiple operating systems - including Windows, Linux and others. Enterprise X-Architecture includes an array of new Project eLiza self managing technologies to help decrease server downtime. We're leveraging the whole of IBM in this effort."

IBM is getting very serious about the Intel server market for a good reason. According to IDC, Intel-based servers account for $1 out of every $4 spent on computer servers worldwide. By 2005, IDC believes Intel-based servers will represent 48% of the total server market. And just as IBM rejuvenated its UNIX server business by heavily investing in technology (e.g. Power4), It is now taking the same approach with the Intel server market, with "Enterprise X-Architecture.

Server vendors and their customers have waited two years more than they planned for the arrival of Intel's first 64-bit processor, Itanium. But Intel's first foray into 64-bit computing has limited application and operating system support, so most customers will be hesitant to run business critical applications on the current, unproven Itanium platform. They are waiting for McKinley.

While other vendors anxiously wait for McKinley, IBM Enterprise X-Architecture technology will provide IBM customers right now with a clear performance advantage, enabling IBM eServer systems to leapfrog competitors. IBM's Enterprise X-Architecture brings key advantages in scalability and high availability to the next generation of Intel servers -- both the Xeon Processor MP and next generation Itanium Processor Family.

"Intel is excited to see the great progress IBM has made with the Enterprise X-Architecture chipset," said Mike Fister, Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise and Platform Group, Intel. " It offers Intel-based server customers additional platform flexibility and choice. Intel always encourages innovation, but it's especially exciting to see IBM -- an established name in enterprise computing -- embrace Intel's enterprise products for one of its core server product lines. Intel believes the Enterprise X-Architecture will offer customers additional performance and is a complementary technology for Intel-based servers."

"IBM brings decades of enterprise expertise to their products and Intel is pleased to see the progress of the forthcoming Enterprise X-Architecture chipset, which will scale Intel's Xeon processor and McKinley processor to 8-way and beyond. Intel believes that this is a great product and can be considered something of a watershed announcement for the IBM Enterprise X-Architecture," added Mike Fister.

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