IBM debuts new dedicated AS/400 server family for Domino

IBM has unveiled a new AS/400 server family, which comes with a preinstalled version of the firm’s Domino groupware package.

The AS/400 Dedicated Server for Domino (DDS) is Big Blue’s first attempt at pre-loading the offering on any of its servers.

An IBM spokesperson said: "An integrated server is easier to deploy than a collection of components not designed to work together and it will offer customers much better price performance."

Peter Lemon, IDC analyst said: "This means minimal end user involvement. Companies can plug it in and leave it alone. They will be locked into IBM's server solution, but can depend on the stability of their email or intranet."

At the same time, IBM also announced that it had ported its Tivoli IT director management application across the AS/400 range.

IDC’s Lemon said: "This is a rich management suite, which has come down from the S/390 at the higher end of the market."

And Big Blue has also added Linux and Java support to the AS/400 family.

An IBM spokesman said: "Linux interoperability will mean the AS/400 can operate with Linux -whether a client or a server."

IBM's Websphere Advanced Edition application server will also be available on the AS/400 from 29 October and will include support for Enterprise Java Beans and Java2.

Lemon said that, while the AS400 had traditionally run proprietary applications such as enterprise resource planning packages because it was robust and hard for hackers to crack, "Java allows the AS400 to speak to other machines and enables it to break out of the ghetto".

Three new AS/400 DDS servers will ship in the autumn. The 2407 starts at about $11,000, the 2408 at $16,500 and the 2409 at $22,500.