Big Blue unveils budget Linux servers

Power5 systems offer virtualisation capabilities for small and medium firms

Written by Robert Jaques

vnunet.com, 09 Feb 2005

IBM today lifted the lid on a range of entry-level Unix and Linux servers based on its Power5 processor architecture.

According to Big Blue, the entry level Unix (AIX 5L V5.3) or Linux eServer p5 510 is designed to offer virtualisation capabilities for small and medium businesses.

The server range, available as one-way to two-way rack-mount systems, supports optional IBM virtualization engine technology and micro-partitioning to allow users to support Unix and Linux applications simultaneously.

The devices, which are offered with a three-year warranty, will be targeted at companies running business critical and replicated branch applications in retail, wholesale, distribution, financial services and healthcare sectors.

"Never before has IBM offered a eServer p5 system to the Unix marketplace at a starting price under $4,000," the company claimed.

IBM said it plans to make the IBM eServer p5 510 and the one-way p5-510 Express available on 18 February. The 2-way 1.5 GHz p5-510 Express is planned to be available in April.