On April 23, 2008, IBM formally announced a new x86-based server product, the System x iDataPlex. Unlike the other x86-based servers in the IBM portfolio this product is aimed squarely at the very largest data centers which are supporting thousands to tens of thousands of servers. The goal is to provide massive computational power at reduced costs for capital expenditures and on-going expenses.
iDataPlex in a Nutshell
IBM positions iDataPlex as a high density server solution to companies requiring large amounts of compute power. They list the following as examples where iDataPlex would fit:
- ISP’s and high-volume internet companies
- Large, high performance clusters
- Computational Farms
- Cloud computing
- Grid computing
- Gaming and entertainment
- Web 2.0 interactive sites
The iDataPlex is based on a dual column, half-depth chassis and new server, I/O and storage modules. The chassis provides two side-by-side 19” racks for a width of 47.2” (1200mm) and a depth of only 23.6” (600mm). The 100U rack (82” / 2093mm) supports 84U of server and storage and 16U of switch and power distribution unit space. The optional liquid rear heat exchanger adds only 4” (~101mm) more to the depth.
