IBM Launches POWER5 Server Based on Linux

IBM (www.ibm.com) today announced it will offer a new, low-priced IBM POWER5(TM) processor-based server running the Linux® operating system (OS). The introduction of the IBM eServer(TM) OpenPower(TM) 710 marks IBM's continued commitment to extend POWER5 performance for Linux environments to companies of all sizes.

The powerful new IBM eServer OpenPower 710 provides a Linux OS-based alternative to HP and Sun entry-level UNIX® and Linux systems, helping clients to attain greater business productivity and lower costs.

Its introduction is significant news, as it provides smaller businesses greater opportunity to access high-performing systems and is ideal for companies in industries such as financial services, life sciences and government.

The IBM eServer OpenPower 710 is a reliable, one- to two-way rack-mount system that supports the Linux operating system as distributed by both Red Hat and SUSE LINUX. The system is tuned for Linux for optimal performance and utilizes high-end features of larger server systems such as IBM's proven 64-bit Power Architecture(TM) technology and optional mainframe-inspired virtualization and Micro-Partitioning(TM) capabilities unique to POWER5 systems.

The result is a system that allows clients to support multiple workloads on fewer systems -- making the OpenPower 710 optimal for datacenter consolidation and enterprise-class scale-out growth.

"With the addition of the OpenPower 710, IBM extends Linux on POWER(TM) even deeper into the entry-level market where demand is increasing for substantial functionality and benefits of the POWER5 architecture," said Brian Connors, vice president, Linux on POWER, IBM.

Also announced are a series of industry-focused solutions optimized for the OpenPower platform, marking growing momentum around Linux on POWER from IBM.

In only four months since the introduction of OpenPower systems, an additional 250 applications have been optimized for the OpenPower platform by Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and Linux Developers -- bringing the total to over 900 certified applications.

This level of support gives small and medium enterprise customers the capability to easily build, deploy and manage critical business and technical applications using Linux on POWER.

The IBM eServer OpenPower Consolidation Express solution is also available for OpenPower 710 and 720 systems. This end-to-end solution provides a simplified, cost-effective building block to prepare companies for an on demand computing environment.