IBM data centre workload-optimised systems

IBM has announced workload-optimised systems to help users manage a range of more demanding data centre workloads.

The zBX has added support for the company’s WebSphere DataPower integration appliance XI50 for zEnterprise. The DataPower XI50z is a workload-optimised appliance that helps data and applications on different servers to communicate regardless of the type of platform. It does this by processing XML and web services protocols so that data can be understood and used by all types of servers. When integrated with zBX, the DataPower XI50z offers good performance and can be managed as a single system within the zEnterprise system. The appliance complements other supported zBX systems, such as select Power7 Blades and IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer.

Storwize Rapid Application Storage (RAS) combines Storwize V7000 with management software (Tivoli Storage Productivity Center and Tivoli Storage FlashCopy Manager) and implementation services. The integrated offering can help improve storage efficiency and simplify administrative tasks. Compared to traditional storage offerings, it is claimed it can be implemented in half the time and delivers up to 90% reduction in downtime associated with backing up data for software such as SAP, Oracle and Microsoft Exchange.

The Workload eX5 optimised blade for database applications can assist in configuring systems for database-intensive workloads in healthcare and financial services that require additional memory, reliable solid-state drives, and virtual fabric to tailor the server for applications which need to transact with large, distributed databases.

Also available are Blade Network Technologies (BNT) ethernet switches and software that route data and transactions to and from servers, storage and networks. The offerings include two top-of-rack ethernet switches that will be integrated with IBM servers and storage to support dynamic workloads that require high-speed and low-latency performance, such as cloud computing, business analytics and high-performance computing (HPC).