Fujitsu Siemens Computers unveils mission-critical server for Linux and Windows

The PRIMEQUEST server line combines data centre class fault immunity and high system scalability for industry standard environments running Linux and Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based systems.

This makes it an ideal choice for organizations wishing to realize the economic benefits and flexibility of industry standard solutions without compromising their business continuity. The new line was launched globally through Fujitsu Limited in the Asia/Pacific region as well as Fujitsu Computer Systems in North America and Fujitsu Siemens Computers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

"PRIMEQUEST servers allow our customers to obtain mission-critical computing on both Linux and Windows servers," said Rajesh Deepchandani, Product Marketing Manager, Enterprise Products, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. "This builds on our strong mainframe heritage, allowing us to offer unparalleled reliability on industry-standard operating systems. The PRIMEQUEST server line is poised to deliver the high availability and low total cost of ownership that customers demand."

PRIMEQUEST servers are ideal for mission-critical applications which demand high availability, robust performance and enhanced flexibility and optimum resource usage. Typical application areas for PRIMEQUEST servers include large-scale database systems and online transaction processing environments. The PRIMEQUEST server architecture provides a high degree of platform fault immunity with up to eight highly available, independent and hardware isolated partitions - each one being a fully independent 'server' within the system.

The advanced chipset on the PRIMEQUEST server delivers two key technologies that provide the highest possible availability in a single system: System Mirror and Flexible I/O (FIO). System Mirror, enabled by dual synchronous system architecture, allows memory modules and crossbar interconnects to operate in duplex mode and isolate errors without causing a system halt. FIO allows on-demand redirection of I/O resources to specific processing resources. This enables I/O to match real-time performance requirements while avoiding disruption of business operations. FIO also significantly shortens maintenance downtime compared to current industry standards.

PRIMEQUEST servers extend the Fujitsu Siemens Computers server portfolio that includes PRIMEPOWER™ servers based on the SPARC64® V processor running the Solaris™ operating system and PRIMERGY® industry standard servers. Together they provide a comprehensive server portfolio that satisfies different service level requirements for maximum availability and scalability. The new PRIMEQUEST servers will attract customers who want to extend existing mission-critical infrastructures with truly open industry standards, focused on Linux, Windows and Itanium technologies.

Providing mission-critical software is a key strength of the global Fujitsu alliance. Fujitsu collaborated with Red Hat and contributed to the hardening of the open operating system for business critical usage via the contribution of 500 Fujitsu Linux developers. Under the Global Alliance Partnership, Fujitsu is working closely with Microsoft around the development of mission critical RAS features and the optimization for industry-leading performance.

The PRIMEQUEST server line is offered as part of the Fujitsu Siemens TRIOLE strategy for optimized IT, which unites servers, storage, networks and middleware to provide a dynamic and flexible customer IT environment. Together with Fujitsu, Fujitsu Siemens Computers will introduce TRIOLE templates that will include PRIMEQUEST servers, enabling customers to introduce 64-bit mission-critical Linux and Windows technology into the datacentre. The TRIOLE strategy provides the optimized design, development and deployment of highly reliable, business-critical data centres in heterogeneous environments aimed to increase business continuity, agility and efficiency.

"Fujitsu Siemens is committed to providing its customers with products, solutions and services that will further optimize their IT infrastructure and improve their business agility. Its TRIOLE strategy is the aggregate of three core principles: virtualization, automation and integration," said Deepchandani.

"Fujitsu Siemens Computers has applied these principles to design and deliver highly dynamic IT solutions with the highest levels of compatibility and consistency. The result enables customers to increase efficiency, enhance agility and improve continuity now and into the future."