When comparing systems, I would use benchmarks suitable for transactional DB systems. Power7 systems have 4 VPUs per CPU, which really makes a difference. Also look at how many I/O cards you will need, etc. A big factor is what you're most comfortable with.
At 12:34 PM 4/20/2012, Shawn Drew wrote: >I know this has been discussed in various forms over the years, but I'm >specifically wondering about the current state of hardware >I have a long history with TSM on AIX. It's stable, familiar and an I/O >powerhouse. Our Unix admins also favor AIX for serious, heavy-duty >workloads. > >We are looking at refreshing our largest P570 now. I discussed this with >our unix admin, who also has a very high opinion of IBM. He said that >current SandyBridge implementations can really make Linux a contender in >terms of I/O and CPU performance. And at about 1/7th the cost. > >I normally dismiss Linux because I was under the impression that you would >need many inexpensive servers to equal one P-series for I/O. It wouldn't >be worth it with the added management of dealing with multiple TSM >Servers. Now with DB2, TSM seems to be going more towards the monolithic >direction if anything. >But If I can get a single 32-core, 128GB ram intel server that can >actually push multiple 10gbe and 8gb FC interfaces I am finding Linux a >little more attractive. > >Does anyone have any stories, gotchas, or opinions with replacing a >P-series host with a modern Intel system 1 for 1? > > >Regards, >Shawn >________________________________________________ >Shawn Drew > > >This message and any attachments (the "message") is intended solely for >the addressees and is confidential. If you receive this message in error, >please delete it and immediately notify the sender. Any use not in accord >with its purpose, any dissemination or disclosure, either whole or partial, >is prohibited except formal approval. The internet can not guarantee the >integrity of this message. BNP PARIBAS (and its subsidiaries) shall (will) >not therefore be liable for the message if modified. Please note that certain >functions and services for BNP Paribas may be performed by BNP Paribas RCC, >Inc. -- Paul Zarnowski Ph: 607-255-4757 CIT Infrastructure / Storage Services Fx: 607-255-8521 719 Rhodes Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-3801 Em: p...@cornell.edu