IBM`s RS/6000 Unix-based servers have become synonymous with serious, heavy-duty computing. Now managing them has got one step easier with the integration by IBM of these servers with the Palm Computing platform.
This integration is being delivered through SNAPP, a Web-based application that allows customers to configure and manage an RS/6000 B50 server with Palm-compatible handheld computers. The new application, System Networking, Analysis, and Performance Pilot (SNAPP), simplifies the server installation process and requires minimal knowledge of system hardware and AIX, IBM`s variant of Unix. SNAPP is being targeted at Internet and application service providers (ISPs and ASPs), who often have multiple racks of RS/6000 B50 servers supporting their Internet sites.
SNAPP uses XML (eXtensible Markup Language), a standard means of exchanging data, to exchange information between the handheld computer and the server, eliminating the need to connect a monitor, keyboard or a mouse to each server for configuration and system monitoring.
"This has redefined the concept of plug-and-play," says Ronel Boucher, product manager at JSE-listed Faritec. "It puts server configuration and system manageability into the hands of customers. This means a combination of high-performance servers, and ultimate ease in system installation and manageability."
Customers can also modify the software to monitor and control other features of the server such as CPU and disk performance. SNAPP also conducts system performance monitoring, Web server management capability and system configuration reporting. The software includes password protection to ensure only authorised people gain access to the monitoring and configuration abilities.
The RS/6000 B50 server is built expressly for the needs of Internet and application service providers that want to house data or programs on the Internet. Its rack-mountable form factor is designed to meet the needs of fast-growing Web-based businesses. At 3,5 inches high, the B50 fits into an industry-standard rack and features a choice of operating systems including AIX and Linux, along with a variety of service provider applications such as Web hosting, firewall, caching and messaging. The SNAPP application to manage the B50 server with a Palm Computing platform handheld or WorkPad can be downloaded from http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/snapp.
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