Dual-core technology adopted extensively
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This month, Bridging the Gap focuses on dual-core processor technology, and discusses how it has been incorporated into a variety of Fujitsu Computer Systems offerings. The use of multiple cores on a single chip enormously enhances the user’s ability to multi-task. Dual-core technology consists of two separate execution cores on the same chip, each with a dedicated path to the front side bus. The use of two separate processors means you can run two applications at the same time. Additionally, dual-core technology takes full advantage of thread-level parallelism (TLP) which allows multiple threads of the same application to be run at the same time. This allows different parts of a program to run independently of other parts.With the adoption of dual-core processors, 64-bit applications are becoming more ubiquitous. The 64-bit architecture makes the execution of processor-hungry applications such as scientific computing and digital video processing significantly faster. Additionally, 64-bit processors are backward-compatible with older 32-bit applications.
Fujitsu adopted the dual-core technology because of its distinct advantages over single-core. We have employed several types of the processors in our servers, because each offers product-specific benefits: SPARC64®-VI (PRIMEPOWER® servers), Intel® Itanium® 2 (PRIMEQUEST™ servers), Intel® XEON® (PRIMERGY® servers), and AMD Opteron™ (PRIMERGY servers), Additionally, an increasing number of our LifeBook® computers are adopting the dual-core architecture (Intel® Core™ 2 Duo and AMD Turion™ 64 X2 processors). The result for our Enterprise partners is a much more efficient suite of products that continues the Fujitsu tradition of delivering the industry’s most reliable state-of-the-art products. If you’re interested in more information about dual-core technology, there’s a wide-ranging group of related links available at ZDNet’s website. Finally: Last month we received feedback from customers asking if it's okay to forward this newsletter to their colleagues. Absolutely. We've provided a link here for you to sign up other people to receive the newsletter. This month’s issue of Bridging the Gap also contains news about the Fujitsu ranking as third-largest IT service provider in the world, and our high ranking in the PC Magazine reader satisfaction survey. We look forward to receiving any suggestions you may have for future Bridging the Gap issues, and we appreciate being able to partner with you. Richard McCormack |
New PRIMERGY servers powered by dual-core Intel® processors deliver outstanding performance
Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation has announced the introduction of new PRIMERGY 4-socket S3 generation server models: the RX600 S3 rack-optimized server and the TX600 S3 tower. Based on the new Dual-Core 64-bit Intel® Xeon® MP 7100 Series processors (codename Tulsa) announced in August, the models set a new world records for the SPECjbb 2005 industry standard benchmark. This new performance world record adds to the accolades already held by other servers in the PRIMERGY range – with the PRIMERGY BX620 S3 blade server already holding the top two Microsoft Exchange MMB3 benchmark scores.
The new servers deliver up to double the performance of previous models, and are based on the new Intel® Truland MP (multiprocessor) platform featuring Dual-Core Xeon MP 7100 Series 64-bit processors. Four new processor models are offered, with clock speeds from 2.6GHz through 3.4GHz, and three cache sizes. There are also new energy-efficient 95-watt versions of the MP7110 and MP7120 processors, which deliver improved processing performance per watt of electricity, an increasingly important benchmark for enterprise data centers. The new models easily meet the demands of enterprise customers who need powerful platforms for server consolidation and virtualization projects. With each unit housing up to four Dual-Core processors, the new RX600 S3 and TX600 S3 models are optimized for compute-intensive back-end data center services such as databases and ecommerce applications, where space and performance are both at a premium. And thanks to up to 16MB of third-level (L3) cache available on some models, and VT capabilities built into these new processors, the new PRIMERGY models deliver significant gains in transaction processing, especially when dealing with multithreaded or heavy multitasking workloads. Extensive high availability features combined with the additional security of Intel’s built-in Cache Safe Technology make the PRIMERGY RX600 S3 and TX600 S3 platforms you can rely on.
The new models are available now. For more information about the new PRIMERGY RX600 servers, click here.
Fujitsu launches new PRIMEQUEST™ 500 servers with dual-core Itanium® 2 processors
On July 18, 2006, Fujitsu Computer Systems unveiled its new PRIMEQUEST™ 500 series servers with dual-core Intel® Itanium® 2 processors. The new servers provide performance improvements up to 2.5 times that of previous models. The PRIMEQUEST servers are built to meet the highest demands on reliability and availability in the data center. PRIMEQUEST 500 series servers deliver the most advanced virtualization capabilities available and extended system scalability for Linux® and Windows® environments. Combining the dual-core Intel processor with the state-of-the-art Fujitsu architecture and design, the new servers are an ideal choice for enterprises that require the economic benefits and flexibility of industry standard solutions without compromising their business continuity.
The new PRIMEQUEST 500 series servers are ideal for mission-critical applications that demand high availability, robust performance, enhanced flexibility and optimal resource usage. Typical application deployments for PRIMEQUEST servers include large-scale database and online transaction processing environments, legacy modernization, SAP platform, and database/server consolidation. Offering up to 64 processor cores accessing 2 TB of uniform main memory in a maximum of 16 partitions, PRIMEQUEST is at the forefront of high-end systems capable of hosting business-critical operations.
To read the Fujitsu press release about this exciting new server series, click here.
For a related story which appeared in CIO Magazine, click here.
Fujitsu remains third-largest worldwide IT services provider
According to a recent Gartner, Inc. study, Fujitsu remains the third-largest worldwide provider of IT services. The study found that Worldwide IT services revenue totaled $624.4 billion in 2005, a 6 percent increase from 2004 revenue of $588.9 billion. Fujitsu had a 5.9 percent increase from 1994 to 1995, just under the average increase.
According to Kathryn Hale, research vice president for Gartner's worldwide IT services group, “Traditionally, the outsourcing service segment has been the key growth area for the worldwide IT services market, but that trend was altered in 2005. In 2005, project-based services and software support grew at a greater rate than the overall market average, which has not been the case since 2000." For more information about the Gartner study, click here.
Fujitsu Limited 2006 Annual Report: Gearing up for Growth
In the opening message to the recently released Fujitsu Limited Annual Report 2006, entitled “Gearing Up for Growth”, Naoyuki Akikusa, Chairman, and Hiroaki Kurokawa, President, noted that “the information technology market is undergoing a sea-change – as technologies converge and become increasingly complex, and services become more diverse – while at the same time expanding on a global scale. Of course it is continual advances in technology that will drive further growth in this market. This will revolutionize companies, society, and indeed all our lives. We are proud that Fujitsu is one of only a handful of companies capable of offering solutions that can convert IT-enabled innovation into business value for customers worldwide.”
The message continues, “In the current fiscal year, ending in March 2007, our overarching objective is to deliver sustained growth by transforming Fujitsu into a truly powerful company. To achieve this, we will work even harder to meet the four key challenges we focused on in fiscal 2005: strengthening our existing businesses, creating and cultivating new businesses, reforming our organization and approach, and reforming our management systems.” To read the entire annual report, go to the Fujitsu website here.
ETERNUS™ SF simplifies storage system management and maintenance tasks
The growth in data storage continues unabated, and the trend isn’t likely to slow down anytime soon. In addition to their tremendous growth, today’s data and information systems are increasingly more complex and diverse.
Information systems occupy a critically important position in business, and more than ever demand total and secure management to ensure business continuity and data integrity. ETERNUS™ SF -- in collaboration with ETERNUS storage systems -- fully supports continuity of your business; ensuring enhanced manageability, 24 x 7 continuous business operation, data integrity and dependable disaster recovery solutions.
The combination of ETERNUS SF software and ETERNUS storage systems lets you create a seamless data management system. Whether you’re concerned with resource management, backup and archiving, or data replication, the ETERNUS suite will make the job a breeze, and let you concentrate on the other critical aspects of your job.
For more information about the ETERNUS SF and ETERNUS storage systems, go here.
Fujitsu High-Performance Notebooks to be Powered by Intel Core 2 Duo Next-Generation Mobile Processor
On July 27th, Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation announced that its LifeBook® N6400 Series desktop replacement notebook, the flagship of its consumer line, will be among the first of its high-performance and reliable notebooks to be powered by the new Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor when the Intel processor becomes available at the end of August.
The Windows Vista™-capable LifeBook N6400 Series notebook, a full size Media Center PC that merges notebook convenience with desktop power delivers an outstanding multimedia experience. Among its features is a large, glossy high-contrast 17-inch Crystal View display and trademark integrated sub-woofer and built-in stereo sound system. The Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor is based on Intel’s advanced 65-nanometer design and manufacturing process technology that shrinks a processor’s circuitry and transistors, resulting in both higher performance and greater energy efficiency.
“The Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor ushers in a new era of multi-core processors based on Intel® Core™ Microarchitecture, delivering unparalleled performance and power efficiency,” said Keith Kressin, Director of Marketing for Intel’s Mobile Platforms Group. “Fujitsu works continuously to develop leading-edge solutions for notebook customers and by incorporating the Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor, Fujitsu provides customers with the most advanced computing technology with the latest features.”
“Performance, battery life and reliability are among the top three requirements for mobile computer users,” said Paul Moore, senior director of mobile product marketing, Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation. “The Fujitsu line of notebooks is renowned for reliability, and the unprecedented power and energy efficiency of the new Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor provides us with the opportunity to improve both performance and battery life, which will make Fujitsu notebooks the clear choice for today’s mobile lifestyle.”
The LifeBook N6400 Series notebook is scheduled for availability during Q4, 2006. For more information about the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, click here.
PC Magazine reader survey: Fujitsu notebooks rate high in customer satisfaction
Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation has announced that it has repeated its strong showing in PC Magazine’s 19th annual Reader Satisfaction Survey. The Fujitsu line of high-performance and reliable mobile notebook computers shared top honors in best overall satisfaction among PC-Windows based notebooks. Fujitsu scored above average overall results for the third consecutive year.
The PC Magazine article states, “Clearly, Fujitsu has its act together.”
The Fujitsu reputation for reliability earned during more than 20 years of developing and manufacturing mobile computing devices was echoed by PC Magazine readers. Readers awarded Fujitsu above average scores for reliability (8.6) and likelihood of recommending (8.4) — out of a possible 10.
“Once again PC Magazine readers clearly voiced their appreciation of the dependability delivered by the line of Fujitsu LifeBook® mobile computing products,” said Paul Moore, senior director of mobile product marketing, Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation. “Through meticulous design, best-in-class manufacturing and extensive quality testing, Fujitsu remains committed to delivering the quality and reliability today’s on-the-go workforce and lifestyle requires.”
The complete story appears online here.