IBM Introduces Next Generation Thin Server

October 13, 2000

NEWS BRIEFS

Research Triangle Park, N.C. — IBM announced the IBM eServer xSeries 330, the industry’s first 1U thin server featuring new cabling technology and second generation design that will revolutionize rack dense server deployment. The xSeries 330 introduces C2T, a new cable chaining design eliminating 70 percent of connections and more than 53 cables per rack.

The x330 is the first Web application server in the new IBM eServer family and is the industry’s first Intel 1Ghz-based thin server. Combined with the Integrated Service Processor, advanced lightpath diagnostics and systems management, the x330 resets the design standard for Web servers at one third less than a comparable Sun server. The x330 delivers on the eServer promise of performance leadership and innovative design by integrating mainframe class technology in server the size of a pizza box.

C2T enables ISP’s to maximize computing power, speed of deployment and increase server reliability. One digital cable connecting each x330 replaces 53 cables and 282 connectors per rack. C2T further eliminates the six KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switches and related cables per rack required in first generation thin servers for management and communications.

Each connection expands setup time and cost and increases points of failure. As time to revenue is paramount for ISP’s and dotcom companies, C2T allows for x330 servers to be installed and running in half the time of traditional rack servers.

The reduction in cable confusion and server related hardware saves valuable real estate by maximizing the server density in for Web centers. As the x330 is powered by the latest Intel Pentium III processor, IBM now delivers the most rack dense server with 84 GHz of computing power per rack. The results are borne out as the xSeries 330 has 3 times the computing power for Web applications at one third less than a comparable Sun Netra T1.

Sharing technology with the new IBM eServer line, the x330 incorporates an Advanced Server Processor on the system board of each server. For the first time in rack dense servers, IT managers will be able to manage an entire rack of forty-two servers from single remote connection. This saves thousands of dollars per system and valuable PCI slots taken up by the add-in processor cards required on first generation 1U servers.

All service processors are linked via a dedicated management link to monitor all critical components of the server such as CPU, power supplies, fans and disk drive condition. The condition of the server can be monitored to ensure that maximum performance and reliability are maintained, delivering uninterrupted Web hosting.

Combined with the cost savings of C2T, the low price of each server and the Integrated Service Processor, a rack of x330 servers saves over $25,000 per rack of servers.

The xSeries are the only servers that deliver enhanced lightpath diagnostics, predictive failure analysis (PFA) and resolution capability. The x330’s enhanced Lightpath directs the system administrator to the compromised component either under power or offline. For the first time, the x330 has the capability designed into the system to retain the path and can illuminate the path to the failed component, even if disconnected from a power source.

Form factor/height: Rack/1U

Intel Pentium III processor: 800/133MHz , 866/133MHz, 933/133MHz, 1GHz/133MHz

Number of processors (std/max): 1/2

Level 2 cache (per processor): 256KB full-speed

ECC SDRAM memory (std/max): 256MB/4GB PC133

I/O slots: 2 PCI (64-bit/33MHz)

PCI disk controller: Integrated Adaptec Ultra160 SCSI

Advanced System Management Processor: Integrated

Bays: 3 (2 slim-high hot-plug; 24X-17X 4 IDE CD-ROM; 1.44MB diskette drive)

Maximum internal storage: 72GB

RAID support: Optional ServeRAID 4 family of adapters

Network: Dual 10/100 Ethernet integrated

I/O ports: 1 serial, 2 USB, 2 RS485, C2T (Keyboard, Mouse, Video)

Power supply: 200W

Light Path Diagnostics: Yes – Enhanced

Predictive Failure Analysis support: Hard disk drives, processors, VRMs, fans, and memory

Operating systems: Microsoft Windows 2000 Server/Advanced Server,

Microsoft Windows NT, Novell NetWare, SCO UnixWare, Citrix Winframe, and Linux

Software: IBM Netfinity Director, IBM ServerGuide, Norton

AntiVirus (OEM version); Lotus Domino Application Server: five

Lotus Notes client licenses and five Lotus iNotes client licenses

Service, support and offerings: 3-year limited onsite warranty,

IBM Server Start Up Support TechConnect

Pricing: 800MHz, $4,426 866MHz, $4,576

For more information about IBM xSeries servers and products, please visit http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/eserver/xseries/index.html .

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