INDUSTRY

ARMONK, NY -- IBM today introduced its first Intel®-based servers featuring the IA-32 Intel Xeon(TM) Processor MP (code name ``Foster'' MP) and incorporating IBM's Enterprise X-Architecture(TM). The new eServer x360 marks the debut of IBM's XA-32 core chipset that features IBM's most advanced Copper Chip and Silicon-on-Insulator breakthroughs and mainframe-inspired technologies to help customers consolidate scores of Intel servers and reduce total cost of ownership. Intel is expected to launch its new Xeon Processor MP in the first quarter of 2002. The company has selected IBM's XA-32 core chipset as one of the validation platforms to test its Xeon processor. Developed by IBM under the code name ``Summit'', Enterprise X-Architecture technology and its XA-32 and XA-64 core chips is the latest step in IBM's plan to bring mainframe-inspired technology across its entire eServer product line. The new IBM eServer x360, a compact rack server powered by Intel's new Xeon Processor MP, includes innovative Enterprise X-Architecture technology and intelligent management tools from IBM's Project eLiza initiative, IBM's blueprint for developing computers that can monitor themselves and adapt to changing conditions. It will begin shipping in early December. Additionally, IBM is the first Intel-based server vendor to deliver remote input/output (I/O) technology in a new modular system that increases bandwidth on a `pay as you grow' basis, rather than forcing customers to buy a full system upfront. This allows customers to add dozens of PCI/PCI-X adapter slots several yards away from a system. IBM Enterprise X-Architecture borrows design attributes from IBM mainframe processor modules to increase performance and scalability in industry standard servers based on Intel's IA-32 Xeon processor MP and its next-generation Itanium (TM) Processor Family, code name ``McKinley''. ``Three years ago, IBM set out to design servers that bridge today's 32-bit Intel applications with tomorrow's Intel Itanium processor family based systems,'' said Susan Whitney, General Manager, IBM eServer xSeries. ``Today, not only are we delivering servers based on Intel's Foster processor, but with Enterprise X-Architecture we're offering customers a clear roadmap to the next generation member of Intel's Itanium processor family -- code name McKinley.'' As Intel-based servers continue to take on more demanding business critical workloads, IBM eServer xSeries systems based on Enterprise X-Architecture will offer customers a 'pay as you grow' modular scalability with the ability to upgrade, rather than replace, processing power. Customers can start with a four-way server ``building block'' and increase computing capacity -- up to a 16-way server -- when needed. The IBM eServer x360 packs 4-way computing power in a 3U rack-optimized design ideal for constrained data center enabling forty percent more processors per rack than the current competition while taking up a third less floor space. Its 400MHz front side bus delivers four times the memory bandwidth. The IBM eServer x360 supports Microsoft® applications and operating systems, Linux®, Novell NetWare and other operating systems. Built with technology from IBM's Project eLiza initiative, the IBM eServer x360 offers multiple layers of self-healing tools that allow the server to continue operating -- even through system errors or failures. To maintain high performance, intelligent technologies help allocate system resources to high-priority applications for extra support and prevent bottlenecks in critical system resources, such as memory and network traffic. As industry standard servers incorporate speedier processors and advanced caching, the need for balancing I/O systems requires innovative technology. The eServer x360's optional RXE-100 Remote Expansion Enclosure allows customers to add bandwidth without requiring them to pay for a full system upgrade. With six Active(TM) PCI-X slots and room for an optional six more, this new feature delivers the additional capacity especially important to virtual private networks, terminal serving and Telco applications. For more information, visit www.pc.ibm.com/us/eserver/xseries/intel