New IBM Servers Target ISPs, ASPs

CRN: What are some of the major trends in servers for the ISP and ASP market?

John Callies: One of the major trends we're seeing is the hype,and IBM is still trying to see its importance,of Linux on Intel servers.

Another big trend we're seeing is the discussion of what is going to be run on Intel-based servers. We're seeing tremendous interest from the ISP and ASP base. We're also seeing a big change in traditional customers taking the Intel-based servers into the mission-critical application base.

CRN: What are the ISPs and ASPs looking for?

Callies: ISP requirements are very specific,rack-optimized dense solutions. The more boxes I can get into one rack, the better. They seem to want as many dedicated processors as they can get. If they can get 42 independent processors on a rack, great! Eighty-four half-U high (about 0.9 inches apiece) units are even better. Second, they want machines that don't go down.

The ASP space is different. They have applications shared among multiple users. They can have scalable processors and less dense packaging. They want machines that don't go down and the ability to hot-add processors and boxes.

The ISP space also seems to have tremendous interest in Linux, more than any other space [does] . . . . So we have to put a tremendous amount of effort to make sure our boxes are Linux-ready. We are spending the time with Red Hat [Inc.], Caldera [Systems Inc.], and SuSE [Inc.] it takes to make sure our machines are ready for the ISPs.

CRN: Why this interest in Linux?

Callies: We're right now trying to understand why. . . . I think one of the reasons is low cost, and for ISP start-ups this is a very important factor.

Also, there is a groundswell of support from a technical community that is resolving problems at a fast space.

Third, there is a movement in the Linux market space, and many people [who are] driving the Linux market are also driving the ISPs. I don't know which came first. If you are a technically smart college student and you go to an ISP, you'll take Linux with you.

CRN: What is IBM doing to reach the ISP market?

Callies: IBM is going after Sun [Microsystems Inc.] with the Netfinity 4000R [rack-optimized server], code-named Intimidator. During the first quarter of next year, we will announce our second rack-optimized box. In the second quarter, we will announce our third rack-optimized box.

IBM's RS/6000 division just recently announced the Pizazz (rack-mount version of the RS/6000) that was focused on the ISP space, as well. I would pay attention soon to another IBM announcement in the ISP space.

We have a solution that gives the ISPs a choice. We have offerings which run AIX, Linux, Windows NT and Windows 2000. We'll have a broad range of solutions on top of a broad range of products.

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