The GlobalServer Range Incorporating the Latest Technologies

The latest CMOS technology

High performance processors such as those used in the M Series architecture have been realized using world-class CMOS LSIs, featuring manufacturing processes of 0.18µm, integration rates of a maximum of 33 million transistors and a gate delay time of 24 pico-seconds.
This technology has far exceeded conventional ECL technology and enabled a complete migration from ECL machine.

Compact single-board system with high performance and reliability

A maximum of 16 CPUs, a 64GB main memory device and a channel processor are installed on a 57cm x 47cm board. This results not only in a smaller case but also in higher information transfer speed between the units and contributes to better system performance. Since micro connectors are installed on the CPU modules, it becomes possible to attach/detach the modules to/from the board, resulting in significant improvement of serviceability for upgrading and replacement of CPUs.

Making use of the high integration rate of the advanced CMOS LSI, a CPU is now integrated with a single chip for the new GS8900, as opposed to 5 chips for the existing GS8600. This results in significant reduction in signal transmission time within a CPU. Furthermore, a 256KB large capacity local buffer storage is built into the same chip and improvements in logic, such as enhancement of divergence forecast mechanisms effective for online processing, are adopted, resulting in CPUs with much higher performance than that of ECL machine.

High-tech liquid-cooling system

The GS8900 adopts advanced Cryogenic liquid-cooling for the heat that is inevitably generated by any high performance computer system. Compared to conventional water-cooled machines, this type of cooling takes less space and is much easier to install.

Reliability

• Flexible system expansion
  Parallel system configuration with a maximum of 16 clusters (256 CPUs). It offers flexible performance expandability in CPU upgrades and installation of additional clusters. This allows for optimized investment on as much process capability as necessary, whenever it is needed.
• Parallel transaction process
  In order to meet numerous demands from company wide clients, GlobalServer executes parallel transaction processes across more than one cluster incorporated with the SURE SYSTEM.
• Parallel batch processing
  In order to support batch processing of volumes across company wide businesses, GlobalServer offers a reduction of batch process time and increased throughput.
• GlobalServer's RAS functions
  GlobalServer's RAS (Reliability Availability Serviceability) functions offer the ability to prevent problems from occurring and, in the event they occur, to correct, restore and localize them. For example, hardware Error Checking and Correction (ECC), automatic chip replacement allocation, diagnosis, software diagnosis restoration, redundant volume control, and security function are provided.
• Continuous cluster operation
  Allows for dynamic expansion and maintenance of the clusters while the system is running. 24 hour/7 days continuous service is also possible, thanks to load share configuration and high-speed hot standby configuration. In addition, adopting multi-module design and (n+1) redundant configurations within power supplies results in increased reliability of the power supplies. The multi-cluster design prevents the system from being interrupted due to abnormality of power supply system to the clusters and/or the power supplies themselves, and allows for a redundant power supply system.
• Continuous system operation
  It supports continuous system operation not only for the GlobalServer but also peripherals and network systems, by allowing for dynamic expansion and maintenance of clusters. Peripheral systems utilize OCLINK channels and OCLINK stations, and network systems utilize the SURE SYSTEM and LR Series.
• High-speed hot standby
  By connecting active/standby clusters with system storage units (SSUs), it is possible to set up hot standby systems for AIM online systems in units of seconds. Even if problems occur to active clusters, the current session status of PCs/workstations under the SURE SYSTEM will be maintained and input data will be secured, resulting in a continuous operation system that is not affected by problems.