Oracle and Fujitsu extend SPARC relationship with M3000 enterprise server

Oracle and Fujitsu have released an entry-level enterprise server system based around the SPARC64 VII+ processor, which boosts system speed by 20 per cent and allows faster I/O traffic.

The SPARC Enterprise M3000 Server is a single-socket system that runs the latest dual- or quad-core 2.86GHz SPARC processor.

Customers of Oracle Database 11g Release 2 will see improved I/O performance thanks to the platform's Smart Flash Cache feature, the companies said.

"The SPARC Enterprise M-series line with Oracle Solaris provides a high-performance foundation for mission-critical computing with unmatched investment protection," said John Fowler, Oracle's executive vice president of systems.

"Through Oracle's collaboration with Fujitsu, we are providing a new SPARC/Oracle Solaris-based system designed to provide best-in-class performance from application to disk."

The M3000 is the first SPARC server to include support for solid state drives (SSDs), enabling the server to speed up its operations considerably.

Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT, told V3.co.uk that the inclusion of SSD support was less about demand and more about staking a claim to have platforms in the sector.

"The market is still emerging for SSD in this sector, so it's not going to be a huge commercial issue," he explained.

"But what is important is for Oracle to be included. The big issue here for Oracle is to demonstrate that the SPARC architecture is ready to take on emerging and cutting-edge innovative applications."

King said that the announcement is welcome, since there had been issues about Oracle's ongoing releationship with Fujitsu after the acquisition of Sun.

Fujitsu is a key partner to keep onboard if enterprises are going to be convinced about investing in SPARC systems, the analyst warned.

"It's good to see them working together. Fujitsu has done a lot to extend the life span of SPARC architecture," he said. "I think Oracle does a better job with SPARC than Sun did over the last few years."