Feb, 2002 : IBM Introduces Memory eXpansion Technology

📅 February 13, 2002 - IBM today introduced its first Intel-based serverwith memory technology that can effectively double memory and increaseperformance in memory constrained environments when compared with serverswith an equal amount of memory. The new IBM eServer xSeries 330 marks thedebut of Memory eXpansion Technology (MXT) that can help customers deployfewer servers and save up to 25 percent in costs when compared to comparableservers without MXT, the company said.

An IBM Research innovation, MXT uses a fast hardware algorithm which encodesdata so that it can be stored in a computer's main memory using half thespace it would otherwise need. MXT also incorporates a new level of sharedcache designed to efficiently handle data and instructions on a memorycontroller chip. Frequently accessed data and instructions are automaticallystored close to a computer's microprocessors so they can be accessedimmediately -- improving performance in memory constrained environments.Less frequently accessed data is compressed and stored in memory, helping toincrease memory capacity by a factor of two or more.
The IBM eServer x330 with MXT offers customers an efficient system formemory-constrained environments such as Web serving, caching, firewall, andload balancing. IBM says MXT can help customers reduce costs by eitherpurchasing less memory to achieve the same performance, or increaseperformance by installing the same amount of memory to achieve more memorycapacity.
"Since memory can comprise thirty to fifty percent of the total cost of mostIntel-based server configurations, bringing technology like MXT to theindustry standard space is a game changing development," said Susan Whitney,GM, IBM eServer xSeries. "Today, not only are we delivering the firstIntel-based servers with MXT, but we're offering customers of all sizes,from small business to large enterprises, technology designed to increaseperformance and provide real cost savings."
MXT is available on the IBM eServer x330, a 1U (1.75") thin server thatfeatures IBM's unique technology that allow companies to reduce "rackclutter' by eliminating over 300 feet of cables and six KVM (keyboard, videoand mouse) switchboxes per standard 42U per rack. By using IBM's C2TInterconnect Cable Chaining Technology, 42 1U servers can be "daisy-chained"together - with each server connected to the one above and below it with asingle cable.
In addition, IBM eServer x330 delivers high performance dual processingalong with technology from IBM's Project eLiza initiative of self-healingand self-managing tools, including Software Rejuvenation, which is designedto automatically predict and repair software problems before they occur.Also included in the x330 with MXT is Light Path Diagnostics, which alertscustomers to server problems and helps them locate and replace componentsquickly. The new IBM eServer x330 with MXT supports Linux or MicrosoftWindows operating systems.
IBM is also working on the next generation of MXT that it plans to integratewith the new Intel Xeon processor DP. IBM has licensed MXT to Broadcom'sServerWorks subsidiary, a supplier of System I/O integrated circuits forservers, who will make products incorporating MXT technology available toits customers.