News

IBM Tunes Dense Servers for Telcos

• By Scott Bekker
• 08/29/2001

The two-processor servers run Windows 2000 or Linux. IBM is branding the new boxes as the IBM eServer x300 DC Power Model and the IBM eServer x330 DC Power Model.

The major tweak to the servers for telecommunications customers, including network equipment providers, carriers and service providers, is the addition of 48V DC (direct current) battery-backed infrastructure to keep the servers running regardless of AC power conditions.

IBM used its 1U chassis for the new servers, allowing for 42 to fit in a single rack.

Also, IBM's daisy-chaining technique, officially called Cable Chaining Technology, allows Big Blue to eliminate the keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switchboxes commonly used in such server racks.

IBM's approach involves a single cable connecting each server to the one above it.

IBM claims the step eliminates 300 feet of cable and up to six of the switchboxes per standard 42U rack. A company spokeswoman says the method saves customers about $7,000 per rack in cabling costs.

The servers also feature the self-diagnostic technology common to many of the eServers.