ACADEMIA

Fujitsu launched the new PRIMERGY CX400 S1 multi-node Cloud eXtension server. This innovative technology requires only half the space of a standard rack server to provide enterprises with cost-effective, energy-efficient access to smart scale-out capabilities for deployments such as private cloud, high-performance computing (HPC) and large-scale virtualization.

Business benefits Enterprise customers of all sizes are increasingly looking for improved energy efficiency, higher platform density and better management effectiveness when realizing their cloud computing, high performance computing, virtualization, hosting, or virtual-client computing strategies.

As datacenters evolve, IT architects are placing greater emphasis on scale-out flexibility, as well as improved energy efficiency, higher platform density and more effective management. To meet these needs, Fujitsu introduces a new, compact version of its state-of-the-art Cloud eXtension architecture.

By halving the size of a standard server node, the innovative PRIMERGY CX400 S1 packs four independent physical servers and up to 24 storage drives into a standard 2U height compact cabinet.

The new compact PRIMERGY CX400 joins the Fujitsu Cloud eXtension family alongside the full-size, 38-node PRIMERGY CX1000 cloud server platform. In broadening the range, Fujitsu underlines its commitment to offering a comprehensive set of cloud computing solutions for enterprises of all sizes.

Interchangeable, interoperable infrastructure The PRIMERGY family consists of three interchangeable low-, medium- and high-end server nodes -- the PRIMERGY CX210 S1, CX250 S1, and CX270 S1 models -- into its new half-width tray design. To ensure interoperability, these remain fully compatible with industry standard rack infrastructure and applications.

As a result, the PRIMERGY CX400 provides smart scale-out capabilities and combines established front-to-back cooling and rear-side external connectivity to slot easily into existing racks. Its "4in2U" design requires 50 percent less space, cuts hardware investment and improves management efficiency and system granularity while still matching the performance of standard rack-based servers. Reliability and uptime are guaranteed thanks to extensive hot-plug features, which keep the system up and running even during maintenance.

The PRIMERGY CX dual-socket server nodes feature processors from the latest high-performance Intel; Xeon E5-2600 family, ensuring the delivery of high-memory bandwidth and IO-speed.

Prices and availability Both the Fujitsu PRIMERGY CX400 S1 enclosure and CX250 S1 standard 1U server node will be available globally from the end of March 2012. The PRIMERGY CX270 S1, the server node for enhanced HPC and application environments requiring coprocessor acceleration, will be available by May 2012. The PRIMERGY CX210 S1, the entry-level server node, will be available from August 2012. Prices and availability vary by configuration and region.

Supporting quote Jens-Peter Seick, Senior Vice President, Product Development Group at Fujitsu Technology Solutions "The PRIMERGY CX400 clearly demonstrates Fujitsu's philosophy of field innovation and a constant drive to increase the power and flexibility of our cloud computing systems. The multi-node Cloud eXtension system enables smart scale-out, and lowers costs while also increasing the performance, productivity and flexibility of both Cloud and High Performance Computing solutions."