IBM launches NeXtScale, packs more cores in racks
IBM on Tuesday rolled out an x86 effort, dubbed the NeXtScale System, as it targets cloud, technical computing, analytics and social media computing.
The NeXtScale System can pack up to 84 x86 systems and 2,016 cores in a standard 19-inch one unit (1U) rack. The IBM effort appears to be designed to compete with Cisco's unified computing system and systems from HP. The upshot: Every vendor is targeting new workloads that require more systems crammed in tight data center space.
In addition, server vendors are increasingly targeting workloads with the most growth such as cloud infrastructure, analytics, Web applications and social media and gaming. IBM also rolled out the x3650 M4 HD, an update that includes a 12-gigabyte RAID. The x86 portfolio runs on the latest Xeon processors from Intel.
The 21st Century Data Center
IBM said NeXt includes standard components such as I/O cards and networking switches along with software such as the IBM General Parallel File System as well as management tools. NeXT rounds out IBM's x86 portfolio. IBM has been reportedly talking to Lenovo about unloading its x86 unit, but indicated that it plans to refresh its System x line-up across the board.
NeXtScale, which will be sold by IBM's channel partners, is available with kits so the systems can be set up for high performance computing and cloud deployments.