In brief: IBM leases out Linux, Unix clustering

Plus: HP unveils new storage management services.

IBM customers looking for some extra processing power now can lease supercomputer-sized Linux and Unix clusters over the Internet, thanks to a new computing facility opened last week in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

The new Deep Computing on demand facility initially will house 600 clustered servers; 500 eServer x335 and x345 machines; and 100 p655 computers. But the building is large enough that it could be expanded to house thousands of servers, should that be necessary, IBM says. The idea is to give customers with intensive but short-term computing needs the option to rent a large clustered computer rather than build it themselves.

IBM says the center initially will serve customers in the petroleum and life sciences industries.

HP last week unveiled services designed to assist clients with management and implementation of storage systems. The services address needs such as data replication, data cleansing and disaster recovery, and can include consulting, hosting, design, installation, testing, documentation and training.

The new services include HP Data Replication Solution Service, in which, for a price ranging between $10,000 and $60,000, HP implements a data replication system and integrates it with existing storage products.

In addition, HP Disaster Tolerant Management Service is a custom-priced offering aimed at strengthening a company’s disaster-recovery plans, covering all the links involved in maintaining or restoring IT functions in the event of a catastrophe.