News | October 30, 2008

New Rackable Systems CloudRack™ Introduces Breakthrough Density Optimization For Cloud Computing

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FREMONT, Calif., (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rackable Systems, Inc. , a leading provider of servers and storage products for large-scale data centers, today announced the availability of the Rackable Systems CloudRack(TM), a new, highly-efficient enclosure that includes one-of-a-kind rack and server designs. CloudRack's innovative new design provides one of the industry's most optimized compute and storage densities to date. Available in some of the widest ranges of configurability options on the market today, CloudRack can help cloud computing environments to scale cost effectively. "Rackable Systems continues to focus on data center density and efficiency, while offering our customers the widest possible set of configurations that fit their specific needs," said Mark Barrenechea, president and CEO of Rackable Systems. "The Rackable Systems CloudRack sets a new standard for density and configurability for cloud computing. In a 44U cabinet configuration, it can support up to 44 trays, 704 cores and 352 TBs of storage."

CloudRack remains true to the company's vision of providing the most Eco-Logical(TM) and economical solution to customers. The product's ultra-efficient server "tray" design eliminates unnecessary parts, and instead focuses on delivering increased compute and storage densities as compared to other cloud solutions on the market. Its "rack-centric" design, with common cooling infrastructure at the cabinet level instead of within each server, increases overall reliability and power efficiency. These design elements provide greater access to key components, thereby lowering both data center service and energy costs.

The CloudRack delivers compelling density (both compute and storage) advantages to Rackable Systems' worldwide customers in Internet, Federal, oil and gas, financial services and other HPC market segments. With up to 44 trays in a 44U cabinet, each with one or two dual-socket servers and eight 3.5" drives, the CloudRack enclosure delivers up to eight 3.5" drives per board. This represents Rackable Systems' most balanced and efficient density offering to date.

"It's clear that power efficiency, density and an optimized balance of high-performance computing power and storage capacity are all critical success factors for organizations that process large amounts of data within cloud computing environments," said Jed Scaramella, senior research analyst, Datacenters, IDC. "Companies like Rackable Systems understand this market and its customers, and are continually raising the bar for configurability, efficiency, density, serviceability and reliability within the rapidly-expanding cloud computing environment."

To allow maximum customer flexibility within the ordering process, the Rackable Systems CloudRack CR1000 model is available in the following configurations:

  • Build-to-Order (BTO) Configurations -- Rackable Systems will either offer a 22U (CR1000-22U) or a 44U (CR1000-44U) cabinet and a specific number of compatible trays (choice of Intel(R) Xeon(R)-based TR1000-SC1 orTR1000-BN1, or AMD Opteron(TM)-based TR1000-F1at launch). Rackable Systems will build-to-order based on specified configurations.
  • Integrated Configurations -- Rackable Systems will offer several pre-configured models that integrate 20 or 40 supported server trays and allow 2U or 4U in the cabinet for networking equipment in either a 22U or 44U cabinet, respectively. Customers may contact Rackable Systems for specific integrated configurations.

Availability and Support
The Rackable Systems CloudRack will support what is believed to be the broadest selection of Intel(R)- and AMD-based server boards available from a server provider. CloudRack is available immediately with support for Intel(R) Xeon(R) 5100, 5200, 5300 or 5400 Series Processors on server boards that are based on the Intel(R) S5000 Chipset, Intel(R) 5100 Chipset or Intel(R) 5400 Chipset, and will also support future Intel(R) Nehalem processor families (next generation Intel(R) Xeon(R) processor).

CloudRack will also immediately support the current generation of AMD Opteron(TM)-based 2200 and 2300 series processors ("Barcelona"), with planned support for the upcoming Opteron(TM) processor ("Shanghai") and next generation "Fiorano" platform. For information about specific configurations, pricing or Rackable Systems' Build-to-Order (BTO) model, please visit Rackable Systems at www.rackable.com/cloudrack.

About Rackable Systems
Rackable Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of Eco-Logical(TM) servers and storage for large-scale data center deployments. The company's products are designed to provide benefits in the areas of density, thermal efficiency, serviceability, power distribution, data center mobility and remote management. Founded in 1999 and based in Fremont, California, Rackable Systems is a founding member of The Green Grid and serves Internet, enterprise software, federal government, entertainment, financial services, oil and gas exploration and HPC customers worldwide.

To learn more about Rackable Systems, visit www.rackable.com.

Rackable Systems, Eco-Logical and CloudRack are trademarks or registered trademarks of Rackable Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective holders.

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