At the same time as Intel`s worldwide announcement of the new Pentium II Xeon processor, Siemens Nixdorf is presenting the Primergy 870, the new top-of-the-range model from its Intel based server offering. The multiprocessor server has been developed to make optimum use of four to eight of the new Intel Pentium II Xeon processors.
These processors are specially designed for use in high-performance servers. The performance of the Primergy 870 is further boosted by a separate I/O processor, which relieves the main processors of the burden of input/output tasks.
Other highlights include the 64-bit bus architecture, a main memory capacity of up to 8 Gbytes, and high system availability, created by the ability to change components during operations. The Primergy 870 here sets new standards for an enterprise-wide server for Enterprise Business solutions based on market standards.
The main application areas for the Primergy 870 are enterprise-wide solutions such as SAP R/3, Microsoft Exchange and SQL-Server7, Baan IV and Oracle for several hundred to thousands of users. With up to 216 Gbytes of internal hard disk capacity and more than 1Tbyte of externally connectable space, enterprise-wide data resources can be managed efficiently, securely and cost-effectively. Twelve free slots for PCI expansion cards offer enormous upgrading capacity.
The latest connectivity technologies, such as Fibre Channel and Servernet-Cluster Interconnect ensure very high throughput rates, enhanced security and "Disaster Recovery Configurations" with maximum availability, as expected of an enterprise server. Integration of the Primergy 870 into enterprise-wide storage and backup concepts is an essential part of the Siemens Nixdorf`s enterprise strategy. For example, Primergy servers can be connected to EMC-Symmetrix storage units via the Microsoft Cluster Server, thus enabling enterprise-wide storage solutions.
The Primergy 870 Enterprise Server`s high levels of availability are guaranteed by the ability to exchange nearly all system components during operation. A new, patented mechanism enables "hot plug" PCI controllers to be changed both simply and securely.
A "world`s first" feature of the Primergy 870 is the option of exchanging magnetic tape and CD-ROM drives too, without having to shut down the operating system. The "hot plug" replacement of fans, power supplies and disk drives is already a standard feature of Primergy servers at the upper end of the performance range.
A special housing design permits the retroinstallation of tower systems into a cluster rack. Another new feature is the option of stacking two servers or one server plus external disk storage units on top of each other without a rack. This makes for maximum flexibility of installation configuration.
The Primergy 870 will be shipped initially with up to four (later eight) Pentium II Xeon processors. These processors run at a clock speed of 400 (later 450) MHz. Three independent PCI buses, one of which already meets the 64-bit PCI standard with double the performance, generate an I/O bandwidth of more than 500 Mbyte/sec.
From the end of 1998 "on site" upgrading to eight-way processors will be possible. This will almost double server performance. The Primergy servers are already prepared for the next generation of Intel IA-32 processors (450 MHz upwards). The independent I/O processor (I960 TM RP) optimizes overall performance by minimizing the load on the system processors stemming from I/O tasks according to the I2O-Standard ("REAL I2O").
Thanks to "Memory scrubbing", the new Primergy server automatically detects and responds to one- and two-bit main memory errors. The Siemens Nixdorf tool ServerView for the management of server networks uses SNM software agents (Simple Network Management Protocol) to monitor the operating status of the servers and their components, and offers detailed monitoring functions and error alarm management.
ServerView enables remote management of Primergy servers, without the need for an on-site system administrator - an important contribution to cutting server operating costs in distributed installations. In addition, the Primergy server can be readily integrated into the platform-independent Enterprise IT Management TransView, Siemens Nixdorf`s network, system and application management package.
Market-oriented and cost-effective server solutions based on leading hardware and software technologies, plus proven expertise in Enterprise Computing characterize Siemens Nixdorf`s server offering. The Primergy server represents an innovative server platform for all open operating systems. With the new Primergy servers as the basis, Windows NT is assuming a leading role in Enterprise Computing. With Solaris, the Primergy 870 servers are certified for an open Unix operating system, a fact of crucial importance for Siemens Nixdorf`s future server business. Furthermore there is full support for the operating systems Novell Netware, SCO-UNIX and OS/2.
About Siemens Nixdorf
Siemens Nixdorf South Africa is a majority owned subsidiary of Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme AG in Germany - Europe`s largest information technology supplier. Its goal is to be the partner of choice among world-class information technology players. The company is divided into two operating divisions; the technology-driven, Products and Technology Services Division and the business process-driven Solutions and Business Services Division.
Further information about Siemens Nixdorf SA can be found on http://www.sni.co.za.
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