The innovative business critical computing solution "FlexFrame for mySAP" - a joint development by Fujitsu Siemens Computers, SAP and Network Appliance - significantly simplifies the introduction and operation of mySAP infrastructures, while at the same time reducing the TCO by up to 60%.
On top of all this, the solution, which is based on the Linux operating system, reduces installation and operating costs. With the announcement of FlexFrame, the computer company is again underlining its strong commitment to Linux.
The first pilot projects for FlexFrame have already been installed. The package comprises a small number of standardised components and offers seamless scalability from small systems with some 50 users to large systems with several thousand users. The services used by a mySAP solution, such as Internet Transaction Server (ITS), database, central instance or application instance, have been fully virtualised in the course of this project and can be switched dynamically between the available servers.
Benefits for the user
FlexFrame is primarily of interest to cost-conscious users who place particular value on flexibility, scalability and availability. The new Business Critical Computing solution is also ideally suited for use in new consolidation projects involving migration from R/3 to the mySAP Business Suite. The fact that FlexFrame can be extended to suit emerging requirements allows Fujitsu Siemens Computers to offer the user flexible and practically uninterrupted operation and availability of SAP software services "on demand".
Dr Joseph Reger, CTO of Fujitsu Siemens Computers, explains: "We have achieved a unique position as a supplier of mySAP server solutions with a product offering ranging from extremely compact PRIMERGY BX300 blade servers, high-performance PRIMERGY 4 and 8 processor systems through to optimally scalable PRIMEPOWER servers with integration of a best-of-breed storage solution. Even on their own, the technologies used are impressive, and when effectively combined they allow us to offer something completely new, while also contributing enormously to reducing costs for our customers and therefore increasing cost-effectiveness."
The FlexFrame components
FlexFrame represents the balanced combination of an entire bundle of innovative components. One such component, for example, is the Intel-based PRIMERGY blade server running under the Linux operating system. The database servers used are PRIMERGY 4 and 8-processor servers - likewise running under Linux - or alternatively the Solaris/SPARC-based PRIMEPOWER servers. The filers from Network Appliance are integrated as storage systems. High availability is a standard feature, which means that no additional configuration effort is required. All in all, this means fast scaling and online extensibility as well as the availability of the service round the clock, seven days a week. Fujitsu Siemens Computers also offers backup, monitoring and remote access solutions for the entire mySAP landscape.
Fujitsu Siemens Computers smoothes the way for Linux into the world of enterprise computing Thanks to its strategic focus on Business Critical Computing, Fujitsu Siemens Computers is a first-class reference for Linux when it comes to enterprise computing. The company also supports top Linux performances in cluster technology - with PRIMECLUSTER and the integrated cluster systems from hpcLine. The open and flexible Linux software forms a powerful basis for Business Critical Computing in combination with the robust hardware from Fujitsu Siemens Computers.
PRIMERGY Blade Server
The server unit in the innovative PRIMERGY BX300 blade server family with its one or two processors, main memory, hard disks and LAN interfaces, comprises a single plug-in card (blade). Up to 20 server blades can be accommodated in a BX300 server slot. The entire system only requires three height units within a rack. Up to 300 servers with up to 600 processors can be operated in a single 19-inch rack with 46 height units. PRIMERGY R450 and T850 are high-performance database servers with between four and eight processors and based on Intel Xeon MP technology.
PRIMEPOWER Server
The Solaris/SPARC-based PRIMEPOWER servers range from workgroup servers through to high-end enterprise servers and represent a powerful and high-performance Unix system platform. Thanks to their excellent performance - to which benchmark results bear testimony - the servers can be used in areas such as insurance, banking, retail and telecoms, as well as in commercial data processing.
Network Appliance File Server
The filers from Network Appliance are scalable and high-availability storage solutions that have proven themselves in practice and are used for data consolidation and for simplifying data management. They are easily installable, configurable and manageable appliances, which have been specially developed for the scalable, network-centric IT system architectures of today. Great value was placed in their development on simple, standardised integration, guaranteeing fast implementation, simple operation and low TCO. The filers supplement the overall concept by a number of key features, such as:
*.Data availability of more than 99.99%;
*.SnapShot technology for fast online backups and fast restoration of data (Mean Time To Recover MTTR);
*.Online extension of disk units and file systems;
*.Simple management with a graphical user interface and/or simple command structure;
*.High performance with self-optimisation and an operating system optimised for data serving; and
*.Operating system-independent, shared data access (FileSharing) via standardised protocols.
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Fujitsu Siemens Computers is the leading European computer company. Serving the needs of large corporations, small to medium-sized enterprises and consumers the company operates in all key markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It offers a unique choice of world-class computer technology and innovative IT infrastructure solutions. Embedded in a global cooperation, Fujitsu Siemens Computers takes advantage of the strengths and the innovative power of its parent companies Fujitsu Limited and Siemens AG.
"Powering the Information Age" is the company`s vision. Fujitsu Siemens Computers will enable people to freely access information and services anywhere and at any time with world-leading products, services and solutions, thus ensuring people`s success within a knowledge-based society.
The strategic direction is focused on mobility and business critical computing as the key drivers of the Information Age in the 21st century.
The company offers everything for enterprise computing, ranging from best-in-class Intel- and Unix-based servers to mainframes and enterprise storage solutions. It is also one of the leading providers of mobile computing products, PCs and workstations to business users, and is the number one supplier of computers for home users in Europe. For further information, please visit www.fujitsu-siemens.com.
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