IBM plans significant transformation of data centres with Linux

Mumbai, Aug 9 (UNI) In a significant transformation of its worldwide data centers, IBM today announced it will consolidate thousands of computer servers onto about 30 System z mainframes running the Linux operating system.

The company anticipates that the new server environment will consume about 80 per cent less energy than the current set up, leading to a savings of around 250 million dollars over five years in energy, software and system support costs.

IBM, with over 8,000,000 square feet of data center space, operates the world's largest and most sophisticated data center operations, with major locations in New York, Connecticut, Colorado, the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia.

The company anticipates that the new global infrastructure, supporting over 3,50,000 users, will serve as a powerful example of cutting-edge data center design for large enterprises around the world.

''As one of the world's largest technology providers, IBM consistently assesses how our systems can be maximised to support our employees and clients,'' said Sreenath Chary, Business Unit Executive, System z, IBM India/South Asia, in a statement here.

A global account consolidation truly demonstrates that IBM is committed to driving stronger energy and technology optimisation, and cost savings, he added.

The 3,900 servers will be recycled by IBM Global Asset Recovery Services, the statement added.

UNI