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IBM considers taking AMD's Opteron processors to a higher level
HP and Sun Microsystems are two companies that have fully embraced AMD's Opteron server processors in each's respective product lineups. Interestingly IBM, a huge player in the server market, has been slower to take in AMD's processors. However, CNET reports that IBM is considering expanding its family of high performance xSeries servers to include Opteron processors. IBM's senior VP of IBM's systems and technology group said that "there's no question HP and Sun have benefited by having a broader Opteron portfolio than we've had."
Many of the big server players are now heavily focusing on power economics -- getting the most performance for the least amount of power consumption. AMD is expected to announce a whole family of low-power "Energy Efficient" processors later this June. IBM would not comment to DailyTech exactly when the transition will take place, but some analysts believe that the two companies may co-launch the respective products at the same time.
IBM's long running line of xSeries servers cater to a wide audience but are most popular with customers who are looking to create a high density, consolidated infrastructure. For SMBs and larger enterprises, IBM has been pushing server consolidations for well over three years now -- even promoting the use of VMWare's virtualization technology along with its servers. Until now however, IBM's popular servers have been virtually Intel exclusive. The company says that it's been quite happy using Xeon processors but indicated that it would be willing to be flexible for market demand and needs. While IBM does use AMD's Opteron processors, they were regulated to more entry level-class servers such as the eSeries.
With most major server companies now deploying high-end Opteron servers, the pressure is building for Dell to do the same. So far, Michael Dell has been generic about his company's plans with AMD -- Dell still remains Intel's biggest customer. Some analysts predict that with IBM's larger embrace of Opteron processors and Dell's acquisition of Alienware, it's only a matter of time before Dell launches AMD systems under its own brand.
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