IBM rolls out Linux-to-Unix server consolidation for SMBs

IBM is beefing up both its System p and Power-based Unix systems and its i Servers, once dubbed AS/400. Now, Linux-based binaries created for x86-based PC environments will be able to run unmodified on IBM Unix servers.

To help lure more SMBs away from Sun Microsystems and Hewlett-Packard, IBM this week rolled out a new virtualization capability for migrating PC-based Linux applications to its Unix systems, in addition to new entry-level "Express" Unix systems for SMBs.

The new virtualization capability, dubbed Lx86, is designed to make it possible to consolidate x86-based Linux servers by running Linux applications on IBM's System p and Power-based Unix systems without modification.

As a result, customers can lower their energy usage and other aspects of cost of ownership, according to Scott Handy, IBM's vice president of marketing and strategy for IBM Power Systems.

IBM plans to include Lx86 on all editions of a new platform called PowerVM, previously known as Advanced Power Virtualization (APV).

Meanwhile, PowerVM will also include a new entry-level "Express" edition of the virtualization system, for creating up to three Unix or Linux partitions on the same server.

In making the announcements, Handy maintained that IBM has been gaining big ground with customers against both competitors over the past five years.

IBM also this week announced new enhancements to its System i hardware for SMBs -- the platform that came to fame as AS/400.

A new release of the software set for release in March, known as i5/OS V6R1, is slated to add improved storage and security; support for IBM's super fast Power6 processors; and operability with IBM's new BladeCenter H server chassis.