IBM introduced its M5 portfolio of x86 servers, delivering new innovations in security, efficiency and reliability that clients need for mission-critical applications.The new M5 servers combine high performance with built-in security, efficiency, and reliability, supporting a wide range of enterprise workloads and computing environments, from infrastructure basics to cloud computing to big data and analytics. The portfolio includes highly configurable models of rack and tower servers, dense systems, blades and integrated systems to help clients address pressing business challenges in the data center and in the office.
All the new IBM workload-focused solutions are designed to deliver value to clients by capitalizing on collaboration with industry-leading software vendors. These solutions deliver performance, scalability and reliability that can help clients drive business results.
All the new M5 servers contain built-in, industry-leading security with Trusted Platform Assurance, an exclusive set of System x security features and practices designed to help safeguard the systems from low-level malware attacks.1 All the new servers undergo a highly secure development process and a rigorous validation cycle with controlled updates. In addition, all firmware is designed to be securely built, digitally signed, and verified, so that only authorized firmware can execute.
With built-in innovations in power and thermal management design such as extended operating temperature ranges, dual fan zones, and active/standby mode for power supplies, the M5 systems can deliver significant energy savings compared with many prior-generation x86 systems. For example, the NeXtScale System with Water Cooling technology delivers up to 40 percent more energy efficiency in the data center than a comparable air-cooled solution.
System x server hardware has achieved the highest availability of all x86 servers and they consistently rank number one for customer satisfaction. With the M5 portfolio, IBM extends that leadership for its x86-based systems.
Each of the new servers has IBM-exclusive, built-in proactive diagnostic tools for easy serviceability and reduced labor costs. For example, the new Next Generation Light Path Diagnostic panel delivers extensive status messages and error messages on an intuitive, menu-driven display for reduced downtime and labor costs. All the servers are equipped with built-in redundant, hot-swappable components for no single point of failure, and are backed with IBM world-class services and support.