 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Hardware
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
The IBM System i (formerly known as iSeries 400 & AS/400) is highly popular among retailers for many reasons. Its popularity is not unsurprising given that three of the top four retail software providers offer System i based solutions. For most retailers, an System i solution is the choice to make, and the System i is sufficiently scalable to support small retailers and multi-billion dollar giants as well. 
Learn more.
This self-managing server requires no DBA, is self-tuning, and can monitor itself and report potential problems back to IBM. It is not outside the norm for an IBM rep to show up and let you know that you are about to have a problem that can be resolved now. High availability is maintained at 99.9%.
IBM System i Support
IBM provides the best level of support and service in the industry, and without question, the benefits of IBM support provide tremendous value to any organization deploying IBM servers. Learn more.
Support for Multiple Operating Systems
The AS/400 was initiated in the late 1980s and was later renamed. Since the introduction of the IBM System i server in 2000, IBM has built upon that technology foundation and expanded it to include support for multiple operating systems including i5/OS™ (the next generation of OS/400™), AIX 5L™, Linux and Microsoft® Windows® via Integrated System x ® Servers (IXSs), Integrated System x Adapters (IXAs) and dynamic logical partitioning (LPAR).
Logical Partitioning
These servers are not all about power and capacity; they come standard with IBM Virtualization Engine™ systems technology with breakthrough innovations like Micro-Partitioning™. This allows as many as 10 dynamic logical partitions (LPARs) or "virtual servers" per processor to be defined. Both systems can be configured with up to 254 virtual servers with a choice of UNIX (AIX 5L™), Linux and i5/OS™ operating systems in a single server, opening the door to vast cost-saving consolidation opportunities.
Logical partitioning is like having "a box within a box." It enables a retailer to share data between two or more machines that reside in the same physical "box." This enables applications like Merchandise Management and Business Intelligence Data Warehousing to pass data not just by Ethernet, but by using a common, shared bus.
Memory and disk capacity can be dynamically adjusted to allow for on-demand processing requirements.
Reduced Chip Requirements
The System i has a unique I/O system of microprocessors linked together by a high speed interconnect switch that eliminates the need for many main processors. This makes the platform highly cost effective. The I/O on the System i is well known for being fast, reliable and highly efficient. This is difficult for Unix operators to understand since the norm is for an System i to be configured with as little as 10% of the CPU requirements for a comparable Unix solution.
Click here for more information on other IBM System i innovations.
IBM System i Storage Solutions
The IBM System i and eServer i5 servers are renowned for high volume transaction workloads that are typical in the commercial computing environment. This scalability and performance is largely delivered through the self-optimizing integrated storage management architecture of OS/400. Beginning with OS/400 V5R1, the System i has participated in Storage Area Network configurations through IBM®'s TotalStorage® Enterprise Storage System (ESS), TotalStorage Ultrium and TotalStorage Enterprise Tape subsystems, and most recently the IBM TotalStorage DS6000 and Total Storage DS8000 series.
With up to 144 Terabytes (TB) of storage capacity, the IBM System i can easily serve as the consolidation platform for multiple System i, Windows and Linux servers and storage.
