Tricon Puts IBM Systems to Work off Coast of South America in Search for Natural Gas

New system analyzes 25 times more data as it cuts costs

ARMONK, N.Y. and CARACAS, Venezuela - IBM and Tricon Geophysics, Venezuela’s leading provider of seismic data processing and interpretation services for oil and gas companies, have collaborated to build a data center powered by IBM System x™ iDataPlex™ that will enable Tricon to analyze 25 times more seismic data than is currently possible with existing systems. The new data center gives Tricon the ability to explore larger oil and gas fields -- up to 1,000 square miles -- while cutting power and cooling costs for the company.

Tricon is currently exploring for natural gas reserves in a 3,000-square-mile region under a shallow inland sea between the island of Trinidad and the east coast of Venezuela.

“Tricon’s new computing capabilities offer us a truly dynamic infrastructure,” said Bernardo Briones, general manager, LA Sales, Tricon. “To analyze 25 times more data from a vast geographical region with more efficiency gives Tricon a unique advantage. We can manage, store and process large amounts of seismic data, while reducing inefficiencies of energy and server utilization and doubling the computing power available.”

Tricon worked with IBM Global Technology Services and IBM Business Partner Strix Technologies, S.A., to implement and support its new infrastructure, which runs the Red Hat Linux V5 operating system.

iDataPlex more than doubles the number of systems that can run in a single IBM rack and uses 40 percent less power, while increasing the amount of computing that can be done. iDataPlex can be outfitted with a liquid cooled wall on the back of the system that enables it to run at “room temperature” -- no air conditioning required. The system uses all industry-standard components as well as open-source software such as Linux to help lower costs.

“Our digitally connected world requires systems that will enable organizations to reduce costs, manage risk and improve service,” said Miguel Vega, Sales, Servers and Storage director, IBM Venezuela. “The system implemented by IBM and Tricon offers the energy industry a cutting-edge process for efficient use of seismic data.”

IBM is considered a leading partner for oil and gas companies globally, providing intelligent systems that improve their productivity through smarter exploration, production and reservoir management, and help better manage risks to people and the environment.

About IBM
For more information on iDataPlex and to learn how IBM is building dynamic infrastructures for clients around the globe, visit www.ibm.com.

About Tricon Geophysics
For more information about Tricon Geophysics, please visit: www.tricongeophysics.com.