IBM Offers Linux-Based Cluster Environment
By Lisa Vaas |
Posted 2003-08-04
Email
Print
Vendor says bundle makes growth simple.
Despite the current brouhaha over Linux that IBM finds itself in, the company is moving forward with its Linux product offerings, support and services. IBM last week announced a Linux-based clustering package using its DB2 database and a new server; extended Linux support for its Lotus Software divisions Lotus groupware client and server; and rolled out key Tivoli offerings.
The centerpiece of the offerings is IBM DB2 ICE (Integrated Cluster Environment), a bundle that ties IBMs database for Linux into the new eServer 325 systems.
The eServer 325 includes two Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Opteron processors and is designed to run either the Linux or Windows operating system. It can run 32- and 64-bit applications simultaneously, providing customers with flexibility to effectively manage their business. It will start shipping to customers later this quarter and will be generally available in October.
| IBM expands Linux options |
| Product |
Feature |
| DB2 ICE |
A bundle of database, management and clustering software
running on a new IBM server that can scale to 1,000 nodes |
| eServer 325 |
Server equipped with two Opteron chips, which can run
Linux or Windows |
| Tivoli Data Storage |
Management software supports more IBM Storage servers |
| Tivoli Access Manager |
Expands Linux support to include Intel Corp. Manager
servers |
|
The central software component of ICE is the Armonk, N.Y., companys DB2 database, which ships in the Universal Database and Express versions. This is the first commercially available enterprise database that runs on the Opteron, IBM officials said.
ICE also includes integrated tools that are geared for small-to-medium-size businesses that might want to run a two-node operation for, say, point-of-sale systems or manufacturing operations.
"By delivering an integrated bundle, we make it simple for customers to grow," said Gary Schneider, IBM director of Linux business development. "And it takes out the complexity of clusters that mystifies customers."
DB2 ICE comes with Voltaire Inc.s InfiniBand Database Kit for clustering.
To manage the cluster, IBM extended Linux support for key Tivoli offerings—Tivoli Data Storage and Tivoli Access Manager.
How does Amerada Hess Corp. use Linux clustering? Read CIO Insights case study.
Lisa Vaas is News Editor/Operations for eWEEK.com and also serves as editor of the Database topic center. Since 1995, she has also been a Webcast news show anchorperson and a reporter covering the IT industry. She has focused on customer relationship management technology, IT salaries and careers, effects of the H1-B visa on the technology workforce, wireless technology, security, and, most recently, databases and the technologies that touch upon them. Her articles have appeared in eWEEK's print edition, on eWEEK.com, and in the startup IT magazine PC Connection. Prior to becoming a journalist, Vaas experienced an array of eye-opening careers, including driving a cab in Boston, photographing cranky babies in shopping malls, selling cameras, typography and computer training. She stopped a hair short of finishing an M.A. in English at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. She earned a B.S. in Communications from Emerson College. She runs two open-mic reading series in Boston and currently keeps bees in her home in Mashpee, Mass.
