DB2 for Opteron: A simple 64-bit migration path
As part of its continued support for the Linux environment, IBM recently announced that its DB2 Universal Database has been ported to run on the forthcoming AMD Opteron 64-bit processor.
Although Opteron will not be commercially available until 2003, this announcement is relevant to enterprise customers that continue to ask basic questions about the price/performance benefits of various microprocessor architectures in order to justify future IT investments. These questions range from "Does the choice of chip make a significant difference?" to "Can you characterize the differences in performance that could be expected between Linux running on Itanium compared to running on RISC?" In answering these questions it is vital to acknowledge that not all applications require a 64-bit platform. In fact the volume economics of the x86 platform lead to the growth of an OEM enterprise ecosystem driven by the high value of commodity microprocessor architecture.
DB2 Universal Database for Linux enhanced for 64-bit AMD Opteron (a.k.a. "Hammer") represents the emergence of a similar high-volume commodity opportunity. However the difference and distinction is that Opteron is an x86 64-bit architecture. Opteron's support for 64-bit extension means that it can enable faster query response times and improve data loading and unloading. At the same time Opteron's ability to support x86 64-bit applications makes it a flexible migration path that protects existing hardware and software investments. If Opteron succeeds in attracting enterprise customer adoption this could lead to new server customers in virtually untapped vertical market segments by AMD such as financial services, manufacturing, and healthcare.
For databases in particular there are some limitations with 32-bit systems. For instance, 32-bit systems start to max out of memory with 4GB RAM for a two processor partition. While the database buffer pool is limited to 4GB this is more often a theoretical limit with a practical limit of 3.2GB. With 64-bit memory systems support is now up to 512GB in a single server following the preannouncements of various vendors like NEC, Hitachi or Newisys. The database buffer pool is only limited by the purchase price of memory. This enables better deployments on large-scale machines of eight processors or more. DB2 support on Opteron will be make it possible to run Linux and Windows workloads that demand "unlimited memory" such as supply chain management and customer relationship management. A disadvantage of the 64-bit Unix microprocessor architecture and the Itanium processor family is that software has to be compiled to run natively on the same server as a database. While Itanium remains a niche market due in large part because ISVs must port and support their applications on a new microprocessor architecture, Opteron offers ISV the ability to run 32-bit applications and only 64-bit when required.
DB2 is the first database on Linux for the new AMD processor family. The ability to run DB2 Universal Server on Opteron is important for technical and economic reasons. On the basis of technology it is significant to note that it took IBM only two days to port DB2 running on SuSE Linux to AMD Opteron. Furthermore, since Opteron is an x86 microprocessor with 64-bit extensions it is possible to run 32-bit and 64-bit applications on one machine. In fact DB2 v8's common client interface architecture allows existing 32-bit, x86-based applications direct access to DB2's 64-bit database environment. The advantage for enterprise customers is they can target DB2 64-bit at Opteron and at the same time migrate other applications to the same hardware. The economic benefit of Opteron is that customers can maintain their investment in 32-bit applications and at the same time deploy DB2 and other applications that require 64-bit performance. With more enterprise customers focused on increasing performance, minimizing risk and maximizing return on investment, the ease of application migration on Opteron makes it potentially a low-cost alternative to Intel's 64-bit Itanium processor family. While IBM has not officially endorsed support for Opteron on forthcoming server products, the initial work of the DB2 team could lead to IBM becoming the first major system vendor to support Opteron. However, with IT spending budgets under scrutiny the price/performance benefits of AMD Opteron will need to be proven before IT managers risk investment in a new platform.
"IBM DB2 Database on AMD Opteron: A Simple Migration Path to an x86 64-Bit Platform"
Originally published by Giga on August 12, 2002
By Stacey Quandt
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