Next-Generation ClearPath Mainframes

Unisys Delivers First Models of Next-Generation ClearPath Mainframes Based on Intel® Processors

Unisys begins transition to next-generation server architecture designed to help clients create more agile IT infrastructure and implement SOA more easily

Unisys has unveiled the first models of its next-generation ClearPath family of mainframe-class enterprise servers based on multi-core Intel® Xeon® processors. The new models are the first major milestone in Unisys previously announced plans to deliver a common platform architecture, using advanced Intel processor technology, for all Unisys enterprise servers.

The new ClearPath Dorado Model 400 and Libra Model 400 series support advanced releases of the Unisys OS 2200 and MCP operating environments, respectively. These releases provide support for ClearPath systems using Intel or proprietary processor technology. Both operating environments provide full compatibility of applications written on earlier-generation ClearPath systems based on CMOS processors.

“Transitioning the proven OS 2200 and MCP environments onto the multi-core Intel platform is a major technical achievement,” said David Ireland, General Manager, Systems & Technology, Unisys Australia-New Zealand. “More importantly, it’s a huge step toward realising Unisys’ vision for enterprise computing – an advanced architecture that enables clients to take advantage of emerging open standards while preserving and extending their long-term investment in strategic applications.”

The Unisys next-generation server architecture will be the first in the market enabling four operating environments – Microsoft Windows and Linux, Unisys OS 2200 and MCP – to run concurrently on the same computer system in a single virtualised partition. Server resources can be shared dynamically, with business services from any combination of those operating environments able to address a client’s business requirements.

New ClearPath Models Provide Superior “Pay For” Pricing, Cost-Efficiencies and Availability
The two constituents of the new ClearPath Dorado 400 Series – Models 420 and 430 – use the Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor 7100 Series processors. The new Dorado models give users the mainframe-class transaction performance, security, availability and resilience that have long been hallmarks of the Dorado line. The Model 430 features a pay-for-use capability that lets clients pay for the exact amount of processing power they use, as they use it.

The ClearPath Libra Model 400 is the first Unisys mainframe system based on the Quad-Core Intel Xeon Processor 5300 Series processors. Doubling the single-processor performance of its predecessor Libra Model 300, the new Libra Model 400 offers capacity on-demand options to handle dynamically changing workloads. These compensate for unanticipated spikes in performance and use reserve capacity to support disaster recovery.

Pricing for the basic ClearPath Dorado Model 400 Series, including software, begins at around NZ$270,000. A ClearPath Libra Model 400 for basic workloads is also priced from around NZ$270,000. However, a number of pricing options are available for the Libra Model 400, providing entry points as low as around NZ$43,000. Storage and other facilities for the ClearPath Dorado and Libra systems are separately priced.

The new release of the MCP operating environment includes Java software enhanced to run in the ClearPath environment based on Intel Xeon processors. The new OS 2200 and MCP releases let users optimise Service Oriented Architectures (SOAs).

New Disaster Recovery Options for Mixed Server Environments
Unisys has also extended the Safeguard Family of disaster recovery solutions, previously available for the Unisys ES7000/one Enterprise Servers, to the ClearPath systems. This allows clients to establish integrated management of business continuity and disaster recovery for both Intel and CMOS based platforms across multiple data centres.

The Safeguard solution helps clients protect heterogeneous IT infrastructures with remote back-up sites located at unlimited distances. Unlike many data replication solutions, the Safeguard solution enables primary and secondary sites to use different storage technologies. Users can use high-performance storage at production sites and less expensive storage at disaster recovery sites. Thus, Safeguard significantly reduces implementation time and risk. It also provides a long-distance disaster recovery solution for ClearPath customers that can reduce network bandwidth requirements and associated costs by as much as a factor of 10.

About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide technology services and solutions company. Our consultants apply Unisys expertise in consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, infrastructure and server technology to help our clients achieve secure business operations. We build more secure organisations by creating visibility into clients’ business operations. Leveraging the Unisys 3D Visible Enterprise approach, we make visible the impact of their decisions – ahead of investments, opportunities and risks. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.

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