IBM Power Systems

Why 720/740 Probably Best for IBM i Clients

You can run IBM i on the 710/730, but the 720/740 is probably a much better fit for most IBM i environments.

Similar pricing 710 vs 720 Rack density not that important

(Most i clients have one or two servers, not dozens)

720/740 more “balanced” for typical IBM i workload

see table on the right Æ Æ Æ

*4-core does supports zero 12X I/O drawer

**710 4-core and 720 4-core support zero disk-only drawer

 

Power 710 /

Power 720 /

 

730

740

 

 

 

Footprint

2U rack

4U rack +

tower

 

 

 

 

 

SW tiers

same

same

 

 

 

Internal drives

6

8

 

 

 

12X I/O drawers

No

Yes*

 

 

 

Disk only drawers

Yes**

Yes**

 

 

w/ more write cache options

Max. GB memory

64 / 128

128 / 256

 

 

 

Internal tape

No

Yes

 

 

 

PCIe slots CEC max

4 LP

4FH + 4LP

 

 

 

PCIe slots max

4 LP

24* / 44

 

 

 

PCI-X slots max

0

24* / 48

 

 

 

Upgrades

No

Yes 720

 

 

 

CBU

No

Yes

 

 

 

IBM i Editions

No

Yes 720

 

 

 

Solution Editions

No

Yes

 

 

 

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© 2010 IBM Corporation

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IBM I 7.1 manual Why 720/740 Probably Best for IBM i Clients, Similar pricing 710 vs 720 Rack density not that important

I 7.1 specifications

IBM i 7.1, a version of IBM's popular integrated operating system, continues to serve as a robust platform for enterprise computing. Released in 2010, this version is built on the reliable IBMi architecture and has been recognized for its ability to seamlessly manage both traditional and modern workloads. One of its hallmark features is its integrated database, DB2 for i, which provides powerful data management capabilities directly within the operating system.

IBM i 7.1 introduced several enhancements that focused on performance, security, and scalability. Notably, it supports the latest versions of Industry standards like SQL, which allows for advanced database manipulation and retrieval. This version also provided improved scalability for handling larger workloads due to its advanced memory management and processing capabilities.

Another significant feature is the introduction of High Availability solutions to ensure continuous data access and minimal downtime. IBM i 7.1 utilizes a built-in integration with IBM Power Systems, facilitating efficient utilization of hardware resources and providing users with the ability to scale their systems as needed.

The operating system also emphasizes security with advanced tools that enable comprehensive auditing, encryption, and multifaceted authentication measures. These features ensure that sensitive business information remains secure in an increasingly digital environment.

In addition to its robustness in traditional business applications, IBM i 7.1 also supports modern development methodologies, embracing languages such as PHP and Java. This flexibility makes it easier for organizations to innovate without having to migrate to different platforms.

IBM i 7.1 also integrated the option for enhanced cloud capabilities, allowing businesses to leverage hybrid cloud solutions. This ensures that organizations can harness the power of cloud computing while maintaining their traditional systems.

In conclusion, IBM i 7.1 exemplifies a blend of legacy strength and modern capabilities. Its combination of integrated database features, robust security, high availability, and support for contemporary development frameworks makes it an optimal choice for businesses looking to enhance their IT environments while ensuring stability and performance. As companies continue to evolve and adapt to new technologies, IBM i 7.1 remains a critical player in the enterprise landscape.