IBM Unveils New PowerLinux System for Analytics and Cloud Computing

ARMONK, N.Y., July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) is accelerating its Linux on Power initiative with a new high-performance PowerLinux server as well as new software and middleware applications geared for the growing number of clients embracing big data, analytics and next generation Java applications in an open cloud environment. 

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The new PowerLinux 7R4 server, built on the same Power Systems platform running IBM's Watson cognitive computing solution, can provide clients the performance required for the new business-critical and data-intensive workloads increasingly deployed in Linux environments.  IBM is expanding the portfolio of software for Power Systems with the availability of IBM Cognos Business Intelligence and EnterpriseDB database software, each optimized for Linux on Power.

"More clients are choosing IBM's Power Systems designed to handle mission critical and complex cloud and big data workloads in an open Linux environment," said Doug Balog, General Manager for IBM Power Systems.  "Responding to this need, we are aggressively investing in our open  ecosystem -- including new products, applications and collaborations -- that support today's emerging Linux workloads."

New PowerLinux 7R4 Server

The PowerLinux 7R4 is the high-end addition to IBM's line-up of Power Systems PowerLinux running industry standard Linux from Red Hat and SUSE.  Joining the PowerLinux 7R1 and 7R2 models, the PowerLinux 7R4 delivers a new level of performance with up to 4 sockets and 32 cores -- ideal for clients seeking a Linux solution capable of handling compute-intensive workloads including analytics, cognitive computing, database and web infrastructure.  The PowerLinux 7R4 takes advantage of the same virtualization, middleware, and applications that are available on all Power Systems running Linux today.

For clients seeking to operate both Linux and IBM's AIX and/or IBM i operating system software, IBM offers Linux across its entire Power Systems portfolio.  Using IBM's PowerVM virtualization tools, clients can partition any Power Systems server into separate virtual servers, some running Linux-based applications while the others can run AIX or IBM i applications. 

Growing Demand for Linux on Power

A growing number of clients are now running Linux on Power Systems for critical business workloads. For example, GHY International, an international customs brokerage company based in Winnipeg, Canada, uses a Power Systems server running Linux for its custom applications as well as their firewall and front-end spam checking.

"When we want to do something new, Linux on Power is one of our go-to platforms," said Nigel Fortlage, Vice President Information Technology & Social Business Leader for GHY International.  "The performance, security and cost efficiencies inherent in Power Systems make it a superior foundation for the growing number of Linux-based applications available today."

With today's announcement, now businesses and organizations of all sizes have more flexibility and choice when considering systems that support open computing.  Local governments and businesses in a variety of industries such as healthcare, telecommunications, retail and banking can leverage the PowerLinux 7R4 and the new software and middleware to gain competitive advantage with fast, data-driven insight.

Data Serving Offerings Expand Power Systems' Ecosystem

In addition to IBM DB2 database software for Linux, which offers an average 98 percent compatibility when migrating Oracle Database applications, IBM announced that EnterpriseDB's enterprise-level PostgreSQL-based database solution is now available on all Power Systems servers running Linux. 

EnterpriseDB's Postgres Plus Advanced Server provides clients access to a low cost database that supports ongoing and new business applications. According to EnterpriseDB, the new solution is a fraction of the cost of an Oracle database deployment (1) and enables seamless migration.

"Switching databases has traditionally been costly and risky due to limited application compatibility and lack of comprehensive migration tools and resources.  EnterpriseDB's Postgres Plus Advanced Server and IBM Power Systems solve this problem by providing extensive Oracle compatibility functionality, migration tools and expertise that can deliver significant cost savings while allowing many Oracle based applications to run virtually unchanged,"said Ed Boyajian, President and CEO, EnterpriseDB.

Both the EnterpriseDB and IBM DB2 database software can provide IBM Power Systems clients an open computing platform with the flexibility and innovation of Linux married with the foundation of Power Systems.

Expanded Portfolio of IBM Software Optimized for Linux on Power

IBM Cognos Business Intelligence now joins IBM WebSphere and other IBM software applications currently available on Power Systems running Linux.  Optimized for Linux on Power, IBM Cognos Business Intelligence provides an analytics engine that exploits the performance of Power for data-driven insight.  In addition, WebSphere provides a comprehensive portfolio of software to support emerging Java-based applications for web clients and mobile devices.  Other IBM software technologies already tuned for Linux on Power include InfoSphere BigInsights and InfoSphere Streams.

IBM's Open Source Heritage

IBM has participated in a wide range of open source projects since 1999, and today this includes Open Stack, Open Daylight, KVM, Apache and Eclipse in addition to Linux.  Hundreds of IBM programmers and engineers around the world are contributing to open source as part of the collection of global open source communities, including experts working on projects such as KVM and hands-on support for clients, IBM Business Partners and software vendors interested in running Linux on Power Systems. In May 2013 IBM opened the world's first IBM's Power Systems Linux Center in Beijing, and in June 2013 IBM announced its intention to open two more IBM Power Systems Linux Centers in New York and Austin.

To learn more about IBM Power Systems, go to www.ibm.com/power, follow @IBMPowerSystems on Twitter or visit the Power Systems press room.  

To learn more about IBM and Linux, go to www.ibm.com/linux. 

Footnote (1):  Based on upon publicly available pricing information as of July 29, 2013 comparing for a 1 socket 8 core Power Systems POWER7+ server running EnterpriseDB Postgres Plus Advanced Server versus Oracle Enterprise Edition Database.

Media contact:

Kristin Bryson
IBM Media Relations
1 (914) 766-4221
[email protected] 

SOURCE IBM