IBM Unveils New Dual-Core X3 Servers, Takes #1 Spot in Intel-Based Customer Satisfaction Survey

New Servers Ideal for Server Consolidation With VMware ESX Server

ARMONK, NY -- Nov 1, 2005 -- IBM is upgrading its X3 Architecture-based family of servers with the introduction today of new, dual-core systems based on the dual-core Intel Xeon processor 7000 sequence, formerly code named “Paxville MP.” X3 Architecture-based servers are designed to support multiple generations of dual-core technology from a power, thermal and chipset standpoint.

IBM’s line of X3-based servers continues to lead the Intel server market segment in both product development and customer service, boosting IBM into the number one spot in the Technology Business Research (TBR) Q3, 2005 “Intel-Based Server Corporate IT Buying Behavior & Customer Satisfaction Study.”

“The x64 market segment is moving up in terms of server sophistication, reaching into the applications serving space,” said Leo Suarez, vice president and business line executive, IBM xSeries product line. “IBM is uniquely positioned to deliver 64-bit solutions across a full and compatible product line and we’re doing it to the delight of our customers as evidenced by IBM’s number one ranking in customer satisfaction from TBR.”

Available in November 2005, the new, dual-core xSeries 460 with dual-core Intel Xeon processor technology will deliver extra performance for both scale-up database serving and server consolidation projects using the industry-leading VMware ESX Server. The x460 entry configuration starts as an affordable four-processor server and easily scales up to 32-processors in an eight chassis configuration, allowing customers the flexibility to upgrade on demand to greater capacity as their business needs increase.

The xSeries 366 will also support Intel dual-core technology as a four processor server optimized for enterprise applications including business software such as IBM DB2 Universal Database, SAP, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle and server consolidation projects.

The x366 server and DB2 UDB achieved 221,017 tpmC, setting a new world record for 4-processor system performance on the TPC-C online transaction processing benchmark. (1) The dual-core x366 delivers 46% more performance than the single-core x366. (2)

Unlike competitive offerings, IBM’s ongoing commitment to deliver high-end capabilities to its Intel server line allows customers to benefit from continued advanced computing solutions. IBM introduced the X3 Architecture to bring mainframe-inspired capabilities to the company’s next-generation 64-bit Intel Xeon processor 7000 sequence-based xSeries servers. The X3 Architecture and Intel Xeon processors provide significantly higher performance than the previous generation of Intel Xeon processor-based systems, enabling businesses to simultaneously run 32-bit and 64-bit applications and more rapidly process massive amounts of data.

“With the launch of dual-core Intel Xeon processors, IBM will be able to offer customers outstanding performance and reliable platforms to continue their successful trend in customer satisfaction,” said Patrick Gelsinger, senior vice president and general manager, Digital Enterprise Group, Intel. “As a leading vendor of enterprise servers, IBM is advancing their product line by offering customers the combined leadership of Intel and IBM innovation through their X3 Architecture based servers.”

IBM Surpasses HP and Dell in Customer Satisfaction Survey
In TBR’s newly released Q3 2005 “Intel-Based Server Corporate IT Buying Behavior & Customer Satisfaction Study,” IBM is described as garnering its first place ranking ahead of HP and Dell because of its “continually improving positions across all aspects of server support.” Customers also note hardware reliability as a key differentiator across vendors and praise IBM for the ability to deliver an equal mix of reliability, support and product design.

Unlike competitors, IBM has long said that the x64 (64-bit x86) space is not a commodity market segment and has invested heavily in R&D efforts to bring forward innovation such as its own X3 Architecture for traditional x86-based servers. TBR notes IBM’s customer focus with impressive quality and design excellence.

The TBR study surveyed 420 mid to large-sized companies in North America, finding that IBM ranked number one over competitors HP and Dell based on the weighted satisfaction index, a measure of the total customer satisfaction experience with IT services. IBM also earned distinctions for its enterprise support. The study covers satisfaction with hardware reliability and consistency, delivery time, parts availability, on-site and phone support, server management tools, overall value and relationships with vendors.

Pricing and Availability
The xSeries 460 and xSeries 366 servers have already achieved multiple, leadership industry standard benchmarks including: TPC-C, TPC-H, TPC-App, SAP and SPEC. The dual-core IBM x460 entry price starts at $20,999; the dual-core x366 entry price starts at $9,999. Both servers are planned to be available in the United States within 30 days. IBM’s X3 Architecture-based systems run new scalable 64-bit x86 operating system software from Microsoft, Red Hat and Novell.

More information about the IBM xSeries product line is available at www.ibm.com/eserver/xseries.

About IBM
IBM is the world’s largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key IBM Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. For more information about IBM, visit www.ibm.com.

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(1) x366 with Intel Xeon Processor 7040 3.00GHz (4 processors/8 cores/16 threads), 221,017 tpmC, $8.27/tpmC, total solution availability March 31, 2006.

(2) x366 with Intel Xeon Processor MP 3.66GHz (4 processors/4 cores/8 threads), 150,704 tpmC, $6.00/tpmC, total solution availability of August 20, 2005.

Prices are subject to change without notice.

All statements regarding IBM’s future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

IBM, xSeries, and X3 Architecture are trademarks of the International Business Machines Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. For a complete list of IBM Trademarks, see www.ibm.com/legal/copytrade.shtml.

Intel and Intel Xeon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

SAP and other SAP product and service names mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries all over the world.

SPEC is a registered trademark of Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation.

TPC, TPC-C, tpmC, TPC-H and TPC-App are trademarks of the Transaction Processing Performance Council.

Contact Information

Vineeta Durani

IBM Media Relations

IBM

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