IBM Introduces Linux and Grid Implementation Service Products

IBM (NYSE: IBM), the world's leading information technology (IT) services provider, today introduced service products to help customers maximize the value of implementing Linux and Grid computing technologies. IBM's new Implementation Services for Linux Service Product and Grid and Grow Express Implementation Service Product both utilize a new IBM Research-designed automated web-based tool that can significantly reduce implementation time and expense.

For Linux implementations, the new IBM Implementation Services for Linux Service Product provides clients access to affordable services that enable rapid and consistent implementation of the Novell SUSE Linux or Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system (OS). The service product includes:

• IBM Implementation Services for Linux distributions - designed to enable faster implementation of the Linux OS on all IBM System x, System p, System i, System z and BladeCenter servers.


• IBM Implementation Services for Linux server consolidation - designed to reduce costs and enhance reliability by providing clients with a consolidated Linux server environment for dispersed applications and data.


• IBM Implementation Services for Linux high performance computing clusters - helps clients optimize the computing power of their IBM System x and BladeCenter server clusters.

The IBM Research-designed web-based tool can accelerate Linux implementation times by up to 30 percent. The tool incorporates industry application intelligence and best practice knowledge from thousands of client engagements to ensure consistent implementation around the world.
For Grid implementations, the new Grid and Grow Express Implementation Service Product can help clients quickly and cost-effectively incorporate readily-scalable grid computing solutions to achieve greater usage of existing resources, increased application performance, flexibility and resiliency. The service product includes hardware, software and services and can be incorporated into current storage and server infrastructures. Middleware is selected by industry application, to ensure that the solution is architected for a particular industry.

"Thanks to the unique benefits of Grid & Grow, our entire project was completed in less than one month," said Professor Zhu Qiao Ming, dean of the Computer School at Soochow University, the oldest private university in Taiwan. "The choice of IBM hardware ensures a stable, scalable storage environment that improves data availability without excessive costs."

The new service products represent the latest step in IBM's strategy to deliver traditional labor-based technology services in a manner more similar to the delivery of technology products.

"These new Linux and grid service products will enable organizations to take advantage of emerging technology benefits like strong security, high reliability, better flexibility and lower cost of ownership," said Tom Ready, vice president, IBM Server Services. "IBM is uniquely positioned to utilize highly-skilled remote and on-site professionals along with new web-based automation tools to help businesses minimize transition time and costs."

IBM delivers industry-leading server services in four areas:

• Comprehensive portfolio of server optimization services - Ranging from server assessments to complete end-to-end optimization solutions, IBM can tap into an extensive portfolio and broad global skill base to deliver best-of-breed services.


• Product implementation services - Provides IBM and non-IBM product implementation and migration services that supplement clients' in-house resources, while providing access to IBM's deep skill base.


• Server managed services - IBM brings together technology leadership, skills and expertise to offer clients the processes, tools and methodologies to manage collaborative and innovative business environments without a significant up-front investment.


• Infrastructure solutions - IBM's IT Resource Optimization solution helps create a dynamic IT infrastructure that is easier and less expensive to manage, upgrade and run. Virtualization, provisioning and orchestration technologies are applied to IT resources and workloads, resulting in optimized resource usage, reduced complexity and cost, and improved response time.

The new service products are available immediately worldwide from IBM Global Services. IBM has more than 7,000 highly skilled Linux and Grid professionals worldwide.
For more information about the new service products from IBM, go to: www.ibm.com/services/spotlight