Linux Support Added to IBM Unix Servers

IBM has added Linux application execution support to their Unix servers via a virtualized environment. Dubbed "Lx86", the feature is to be included in IBM’s PowerVM virtualization software and it allows x86-based Linux applications to run on IBM System p- and Power-based Unix systems without any modifications to the application since the system is supposed to automatically detect and run Linux-based binaries.

"Lx86 is a way to say ‘Whatever you have, it can run,’" said Scott Handy, vice president of marketing and strategy for IBM Power Systems. According to Handy, this will allow companies to consolidate their Linux and Unix servers and reduce costs and energy consumption while increasing and optimizing asset utilization.

IBM, which offers both Linux and Unix on their servers, hopes that the tool will prove useful for those who want to migrate from Linux systems to other IBM systems.

PowerVM, available in Standard and Enterprise editions, now also includes an Express edition targeted at small and medium businesses. It allows customers to create up to three partitions on a server and control how processor cycles are used so as to get optimal performance out of the server. The Express edition will be priced at $40 (£21) per core.