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IBM Launches Direct Attack on Rivals with New Unix Servers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

IBM has launched a direct assault on two of its biggest rivals, Hewlett-Packard and Sun Microsystems, with the introduction of powerful new Unix computers and updated software. The company's new Unix servers, equipped with breakthrough copper chip technology, are aimed squarely at the market segments dominated by its competitors. "This is IBM getting feisty," the company said, vowing to "crush" Sun's fastest server, the E10,000. The move marks a significant shift in IBM's strategy, as the company seeks to regain ground in the Unix server market, which has primarily benefited its competitors.

Key Takeaways:

  • IBM has launched a direct attack on its rivals, Hewlett-Packard and Sun Microsystems, with powerful new Unix computers and updated software.
  • The new Unix servers, equipped with breakthrough copper chip technology, are aimed at the market segments dominated by Sun Microsystems.
  • IBM claims the new S80 server, with up to 24 microprocessors, is the world's most powerful Unix server, outpacing Sun's fastest machines.
  • The new servers fill a significant gap in IBM's product line and are likely to make these segments of the computer market more competitive in future.
  • IBM has strengthened its presence in the Unix server market, which has primarily benefited its competitors in recent years.
  • Rod Adkins, general manager of the product line, stated that IBM is serious about Unix and is committed to its future development.
  • The company has laid out plans for future hardware and software upgrades, including its version of Unix, called AIX.

Statistics:

  • The new S80 server can have up to 24 microprocessors.
  • The new Unix servers use breakthrough copper chip technology.
  • IBM claims the new S80 server outpaces Sun's fastest machines, the E10,000.
  • The Unix server market has seen a boom in demand as companies require powerful servers to support the internet.
  • The Unix server market has primarily benefited IBM's competitors in recent years.

Sources:

  • Financial Times Limited, 1999.

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