INDUSTRY

Organizations choose IBM to simplify business intelligence processes: IBM has introduced a fully-integrated and scalable data warehouse solution for Linux that combines software, server, and storage resources to maximize business intelligence and information management performance for enterprises. The IBM Data Warehousing Balanced Configuration Unit for Linux (BCU) combines DB2 Data Warehouse Edition, and eServer 326m running on either SUSE or Red Hat Linux with TotalStorage DS4800. Business intelligence and information warehousing are top priorities for enterprises because they enable informed decision making throughout an organization. Access to information and analytics can provide valuable insight into how a company can gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. "Our clients are increasingly evaluating Linux as the foundation for their fast growing and high performance Data Warehouse platforms," said Karen Parrish, vice president, IBM Business Intelligence Solutions. "IBM's Balanced Configuration Unit for Linux further demonstrates our ongoing commitment in providing our clients with fast, affordable and simple solutions for their business intelligence needs." This solution is targeted at enterprise data warehouses that require an infrastructure solution optimized for scalability, manageability, fault-tolerance and performance. The solution saves time, money and effort by providing enterprises the ability to analyze, understand, and take action on business information. Additionally, the Balanced Configuration Unit for Linux delivers unparalleled support for archiving, integrating and analyzing vast amounts of data. The new Balanced Configuration Unit is designed around best practices of creating a balanced performance through the use of modular nodes, or building blocks, which IT departments can use to reduce design time, shorten deployments and maintain a favorable price/performance ratio as they add nodes to enlarge data warehouses over time. One customer who is already benefiting from IBM's Balanced Configuration Unit for Linux solution is Katz Group, one of North America's leading drug store operators with more than 1,800 drug stores in Canada and the United States. In addition to its retail operations, Katz Group owns and operates Canada's only national mail order pharmacy business, Meditrust Pharmacy Inc. "Business intelligence provides us with an accurate and real-time view of our enterprise-wide information, which ultimately allows us to make better operational and overall business decisions," said Bill Rohal, director of development with Katz Group. "The IBM Data Warehousing Balanced Configuration Unit reduces the complexity, cost and risk of designing, implementing, growing and maintaining our business intelligence infrastructure now and in the future. We were able to significantly upgrade our Data Warehouse capabilities in a reasonable time without negatively impacting our current user base.” A single Balanced Configuration Unit consists of a balance of server, storage and software resources. The solution provides several advantages, including: * Simplified Infrastructure, Scaling and Capacity Planning: Using its building block design, this solution can help clients understand their entire warehouse infrastructure for better predictability. * Reduced Implementation Time: The solution has been pre-staged, pre-integrated, pre-tested and validated by a services team to help clients rapidly implement a data warehouse. * Reduced Costs: Balancing components avoids purchasing unnecessary resources. * Reduced Risks: The solution is based on business intelligence best-practices take from IBM’s vast experience with data warehouse customers. * Simplified Integration: The solution is built with components based on open industry standards. Availability The IBM Data Warehousing Balanced Configuration Unit for Linux is currently available from IBM. For more information about the solution, visit its Web site.