IBM Unveils Dual-Core Servers, Surpasses HP and Dell in Customer Satisfaction Survey

Strategic Insights -

IBM has announced the upgrade of its X3 Architecture-based family of servers with new dual-core systems based on the dual-core Intel Xeon processor 7000 sequence. This move aims to provide customers with outstanding performance and reliable platforms. As a result, IBM has taken the lead in the Technology Business Research (TBR) Q3, 2005 "Intel-Based Server Corporate IT Buying Behavior & Customer Satisfaction Study," surpassing HP and Dell in customer satisfaction.

Key Takeaways:

  • IBM's X3 Architecture-based servers continue to lead the Intel server market segment in both product development and customer service, securing the number one spot in the TBR Q3, 2005 study.
  • The introduction of dual-core Intel Xeon processor 7000 sequence-based xSeries servers provides significantly higher performance than the previous generation of Intel Xeon processor-based systems, enabling businesses to simultaneously run 32-bit and 64-bit applications.
  • 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 VMware ESX Server.
  • The x460 entry configuration starts as an affordable four-processor server and can easily scale up to 32-processors in an eight chassis configuration, offering customers flexibility to upgrade on demand.
  • 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 dual-core x366 delivers 46% more performance than the single-core x366, setting a new world record for 4-processor system performance on the TPC-C online transaction processing benchmark, achieving 221,017 tpmC.

Statistics:

  • The new dual-core x460 entry-price starts at $20,999.
  • The dual-core x366 entry-price starts at $9,999.
  • 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's customer satisfaction rating in the TBR study is reflected in its impressive quality and design excellence, with customers praising its ability to deliver an equal mix of reliability, support, and product design.
  • Prices mentioned are subject to change without notice, with specific pricing and availability information available from IBM.

Sources:

  • IBM Corporation
  • Technology Business Research (TBR)
  • Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC)
  • Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC)
  • Intel Corporation
  • SAP AG
  • VMware, Inc.