Oracle updates Sparc SuperCluster servers with T4 processors

Oracle has unveiled a set of servers based on its latest Sparc processor which the company claims will dramatically improve system performance.

The four-node Sparc SuperCluster T4-4 is aimed at systems running Oracle Database and Middleware platforms, and offers a promised tenfold performance boost over previous Sparc systems.

The SuperCluster T4-4's eight-core T4 processors are able to manage 64 threads simultaneously.

Oracle chief executive Larry Ellison explained that the servers merge hardware and software into a largely parallel platform, making them better equipped to handle hardware failures and easier to upgrade.

"By having hardware and software engineered to work together, one of the unique aspects is their extreme parallelism," he said.

The release comes as Oracle looks to boost its flagging server hardware business. The company has faced increased competition from rivals such as IBM and HP, and has struggled to integrate the hardware business acquired from Sun Microsystems.

Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT, told V3 that the T4 line will help to energise the Sparc platform, but that Oracle has more to do if it wants to fend off other vendors.

"The argument is pretty compelling for existing Oracle or Sun customers. They have the applications, the IT staff has the knowledge and they know the systems well enough to get a sense of the benefits. The problem is that the market has moved on pretty considerably, in large part to x86," he said.