IBM Aims For More-Efficient ServersIBM Aims For More-Efficient Servers

IBM on Wednesday demonstrated new technology it says can make servers more efficient and plans to deliver the software in computers that use its new Power 5 chip, scheduled to arrive next month.

At a conference for technology analysts in Palisades, N.Y., IBM demonstrated a layer of software it calls a "virtualization engine" that it says can divide servers running Windows and Unix into partitions, similar to the way IBM's mainframe computers function. The technology can make one server act like 10, increasing the amount of time a machine is busy and potentially saving costs, IBM general manager Tom Hawk says. "Customers continue to say they're looking for reduced complexity, higher utilization for their investments, and less administrative overhead," he says. "Our customers are looking for the same level of robustness they've enjoyed in the mainframe environment in Windows and Unix."

Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, and Sun Microsystems have also developed or acquired technology for increasing the busy time of servers.

The virtualization engine, which IBM calls a "technology demo," will first appear in systems using the company's new Power 5 microprocessor.

At IBM's shareholders meeting in Providence, R.I., on Tuesday, CEO Sam Palmisano said the company plans to ship in volume a version of its iSeries computer using the Power 5 chip by the end of May.