IBM sets performance records with new eX5 servers

IBM today introduced new systems that are optimized for client workloads. The new x86-based servers extend the market-leading capabilities of its System x portfolio and raise the limits on enterprise workloads, memory and scaling. The new blade and rack servers rely on IBM’s exclusive X-Architecture technology to offer clients advanced computing platforms designed to wring maximum performance from the new Intel Xeon processor E7 family.

The new System x 3850 X5 server, for example, has already claimed the highest result achieved to date by a non-clustered server on the TPC-H 1000GB benchmark, beating HP’s best results for performance and price/performance by 24% and 52% respectively. The x3850 X5 has also achieved a world-record four-processor result on two-tier SAP SD standard application benchmark -- 14,000 SAP SD users. The benchmarks demonstrate the leadership performance that is possible with the power of IBM’s fifth-generation X-Architecture technology (eX5).

IBM also announced today the IBM Systems solution for SAP In-Memory Appliance, SAP HANA. Certified by SAP, the systems enable SAP analytics of SAP ERP data on the fly with proven capabilities of processing 10,000 queries per hour against 1.3TB of data. IBM and SAP have cooperated closely to implement the advanced replication scenario for DB2-based customers. DB2 is SAP HANA-ready and can efficiently replicate data into SAP HANA in near real time using the Sybase Replication Server. Customers with ERP systems on DB2 can therefore seamlessly support demanding business needs for real-time reporting based on the latest available data with unmatched administrative effort.

“The new System x servers are designed for data and will help keep IBM customers ahead of the curve when it comes to preparing for a new era of applications,” said Adalio Sanchez, general manager, IBM System x. “With our innovation leadership we are delivering systems optimized for big data; systems that deploy extended memory, for example, to allow businesses to not only handle new streams of data, but to help convert them into new revenue streams.”

Highlights of New 2011 System x and BladeCenter eX5 Systems

New System x3950 X5, x3850 X5, x3690 X5, and BladeCenter HX5 Models

New enhancements include:

• 2X increase in memory capacity across the entire eX5 product line, up to 6TB in total.

• Up to 40% CPU performance improvement over previous generation Intel Xeon 7500 series.

• Up to 1000X performance boost and 4X more internal SSD storage capacity with new 50GB and 200GB drives for eXFlash.

• The new two-socket x3690 X5 server pushes the limits of virtualization with the ability to deploy the maximum number of virtual machines supported by VMware.

• The new eX5-powered BladeCenter HX5, features up to 40 processor cores, tuned for data-intensive workloads.

MAX5 Memory Expansion

The MAX5 memory expansion drawer provides additional DIMM slots for each eX5 server—without the need for purchasing additional processors and software licenses.

New MAX5 expansion capabilities include:

• Eight-socket x3850 X5: up to 192 DIMM slots (6 TB)

• Four-socket x3850 X5: up to 96 DIMM slots (3 TB)

• Two-socket x3690 X5: up to 64 DIMM slots (2 TB)

• Two-socket HX5: up to 32 DIMM slots (512 GB)

eXFlash Solid State Storage Technology

IBM eXFlash solid-state drive technology has been updated with new 50 GB and 200 GB solid state drives. New eXFlash technology can achieve 2,100% more I/O transactions per second and 9X faster response time when compared to traditional hard drives.

FlexNode Partitioning and Failover

FlexNode technology, introduced in 2010, has now been extended to the eight-socket x3850 X5 with MAX5. FlexNode offers failover and portioning flexibility, giving these systems the ability to dynamically unite and separate dual node HX5 or x3850 X5 with MAX5 systems according to business needs.