IBM aims workload optimization tools at data centers

IBM today took the wraps off a set of work-load optimization tools that it called help for enterprise data centers "run amok."

The software package will give admins an improved view of their server landscape across multiple platforms and sites -- regardless of the component chips, hardware and software.

Big Blue's stack includes server management applications from the zEnterprise System. IBM basically bundled together various parts from Tivoli, recently acquired Storewize and Blade Network Techologies (BNT), which was acquired in October. The theme: Optimize transaction to and from the server, storage and data application component.

IBM is positioning the software as help for over-taxed  data centers and admins.

The parts include:

• zEnterprise System: IBM's DataPower XI50z is designed to improve application collaboration across platforms by processing XML and Web services protocols to be understood by all server types.

• Storage: IBM Storwize Rapid Application Storage (RAS) is designed to improve streamline setup and management tasks.
• System X: The workload optimized database is aimed at the finance services and healthcare verticals.
• Systems Networking: The BNT offering includes a pair of top-of-rack Ethernet switches to be  integrated with IBM servers and storage for cloud computing, business analytics and high performance computing (HPC).