IBM is accelerating its Linux on Power initiative with a new high-performance PowerLinux server as well as new software and middleware applications geared for the growing number of clients embracing big data, analytics and next generation Java applications in an open cloud environment.The new PowerLinux 7R4 server, built on the same Power Systems platform running IBM's Watson cognitive computing solution, can provide clients the performance required for the new business-critical and data-intensive workloads increasingly deployed in Linux environments. IBM is expanding the portfolio of software for Power Systems with the availability of IBM Cognos Business Intelligence and EnterpriseDB database software, each optimized for Linux on Power.

"More clients are choosing IBM’s Power Systems designed to handle mission critical and complex cloud and big data workloads in an open Linux environment," said Doug Balog, General Manager for IBM Power Systems. "Responding to this need, we are aggressively investing in our open ecosystem -- including new products, applications and collaborations -- that support today's emerging Linux workloads.”

The PowerLinux 7R4 is the high-end addition to IBM's line-up of Power Systems PowerLinux servers running industry standard Linux from Red Hat and SUSE. Joining the PowerLinux 7R1 and 7R2 models, the PowerLinux 7R4 delivers a new level of performance with up to 4 sockets and 32 cores, ideal for clients seeking a Linux solution capable of handling compute-intensive workloads including analytics, cognitive computing, database and web infrastructure. The PowerLinux 7R4 takes advantage of the same virtualization, middleware, and applications that are available on all Power Systems running Linux today.

For clients seeking to operate both Linux and IBM's AIX and/or IBM i operating system software, IBM offers Linux across its entire Power Systems portfolio. Using IBM's PowerVM virtualization tools, clients can partition any Power Systems server into separate virtual servers, some running Linux-based applications while the others can run AIX or IBM i applications.

A growing number of clients are now running Linux on Power Systems for critical business workloads. For example, GHY International, an international customs brokerage company based in Winnipeg, Canada, uses a Power Systems server running Linux for its custom applications as well as their firewall and front-end spam checking.

"When we want to do something new, Linux on Power is one of our go-to platforms," said Nigel Fortlage, Vice President Information Technology & Social Business Leader for GHY International. “The performance, security and cost efficiencies inherent in Power Systems make it a superior foundation for the growing number of Linux-based applications available today.”

With today's announcement, now businesses and organizations of all sizes have more flexibility and choice when considering systems that support open computing. Local governments and businesses in a variety of industries such as healthcare, telecommunications, retail and banking can leverage the PowerLinux 7R4 and the new software and middleware to gain competitive advantage with fast, data-driven insight.

In addition to IBM DB2 database software for Linux, which offers an average 98 percent compatibility when migrating Oracle Database applications, IBM announced that EnterpriseDB's enterprise-level PostgreSQL-based database solution is now available on all Power Systems servers running Linux.

EnterpriseDB’s Postgres Plus Advanced Server provides clients access to a low cost database that supports ongoing and new business applications. According to EnterpriseDB, the new solution is a fraction of the cost of an Oracle database deployment and enables seamless migration.


"Switching databases has traditionally been costly and risky due to limited application compatibility and lack of comprehensive migration tools and resources. EnterpriseDB's Postgres Plus Advanced Server and IBM Power Systems solve this problem by providing extensive Oracle compatibility functionality, migration tools and expertise that can deliver significant cost savings while allowing many Oracle based applications to run virtually unchanged,” said Ed Boyajian, President and CEO, EnterpriseDB.

Both the EnterpriseDB and IBM DB2 database software can provide IBM Power Systems clients an open computing platform with the flexibility and innovation of Linux married with the foundation of Power Systems.