IBM's Next Generation Thin Server

1 GHz Intel-based 1U server promises faster performance and lower price.

by Wayne Kawamoto [October 18, 2000]

IBM announced the IBM eServer xSeries 330, the company's 1U thin server that features new cabling technology and a second generation design that may revolutionize rack dense server deployment. The xSeries 330 also introduces C2T, a new cable chaining design that is supposed to eliminate 70 percent of connections and more than 53 cables per rack.

First 1GHz iron
The x330 is the first Web application server in the new IBM eServer family, and, accordingly to IBM, is the industry's first Intel 1Ghz-based thin server. Combined with the Integrated Service Processor, lightpath diagnostics and systems management, IBM says that its x330 sets a new design standard for Web servers at one third less than a comparable Sun server.

IBM says that C2T helps ISPs maximize computing power and speed of deployment, and increase server reliability. One digital cable connecting each x330 is supposed to replace 53 cables and 282 connectors per rack. Furthermore, C2T may eliminate the six KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switches and related cables per rack required in first generation thin servers to perform management and communications. Also, as time to revenue is paramount for ISP's and dotcom companies, C2T may allow for x330 servers to be installed and running in half the time of traditional rack servers.

The x330 is powered by an Intel Pentium III processor, and is designed to deliver 84 GHz of computing power per rack. The result, says IBM, is that the xSeries 330 has 3 times the computing power for Web applications at one third less than a comparable Sun Netra T1. The x330 incorporates an Advanced Server Processor on the system board of each server. IT managers may be able to manage an entire rack of forty-two servers from a single remote connection. This can potentially save thousands of dollars per system and valuable PCI slots taken up by the add-in processor cards required on first generation 1U servers.

All service processors are linked via a dedicated management link to monitor critical components of the server such as CPU, power supplies, fans and disk drive condition. Also, the condition of the server may be monitored to ensure that maximum performance and reliability are maintained, delivering uninterrupted Web hosting.

The xSeries features enhanced lightpath diagnostics, predictive failure analysis (PFA) and resolution capability. IBM says that the x330's Lightpath can direct a system administrator to the compromised component either under power or offline. The x330 has been designed to retain the path, and illuminate the path to a failed component, even if its been disconnected from a power source.

Pricing and availability
The xSeries 330 is priced at $4,426 for an 800MHz version, while the 1GHz version is priced at $5,176.

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