IBM Debuts eServer Based On POWER5

IBM today announced the debut of a line of servers that run on the company's POWER5 microprocessor. The new eServer iSeries i5 is the result of a two year, $500 million development effort aimed at improving computing power for small and midsize customers (SMBs).

The eServeri5 can run multiple operating systems, including the i5/OS (the next generation operating system of OS/400), which includes the company's WebSphere middleware. In addition, the product supports IBM Unix AIX 5L, Linux (on POWER and Intel chips), and Microsoft's Windows operating system.

The product is targeted at providing SMBs with advanced technology for their computing infrastructures. IBM, which considers the POWER5 microprocessors the most powerful 64-bit chips available, claims the new server shows up to 40 percent improvement in performance over earlier iSeries servers. The i5 520 Express Edition will sell for approximately $11,500. Other servers in the line are set to roll out during the year.

The company also is extending On/Off Capacity on Demand, by adding two new technologies: Memory on Demand and Reserve Capacity on Demand. Customers can access additional processing power or capacity as needs change, without disrupting business operations, according to IBM.