Stratus Technologies release latest version of ftServer edge systems

Upgrades to the 12th generation of the company’s line of edge servers include improved processing power, better bandwidth for storage area networks, and expanded networking options.

Stratus Technologies has announced the release of the 12th generation of its ftServer line, which features new hardware enhancements, improved resiliency for critical workloads, and future support for a broader range of operating systems. The latest ftServers are available in four configurations, with the 6920 designed for rigorous data- and transaction-intensive work in large data centers, while the 6910 is built for smaller facilities. The 4920 and 2920 are for medium-size facilities and remote offices, and for running individual applications on shop floors or in industrial plants.

The hardware upgrades include new Xeon processors, which should help with high-volume transactional work and artificial intelligence, improved SAN bandwidth, and support for both copper and fiber optical networking. The most significant aspect of the latest ftServers, however, is software support, with platforms initially supporting VMware vSphere and support for RHEL and Windows Server planned by year-end.

Dave McCarthy, IDC vice president and edge computing analyst, said the flexibility offered by open industry standards is essential for organizations working in an increasingly heterogeneous computing environment. “This helps reduce costs for customers while allowing them to more quickly adopt new technologies,” he added. Open standards also make it easier for businesses to remotely manage systems running on edge servers, thereby increasing productivity. Maximizing uptime is a key potential upside for the ftServer platform, particularly for industries with capital-intensive, revenue-generating assets that view unexpected downtime as the enemy.

According to McCarthy, “For these organizations, an hour of downtime can result in millions in lost business opportunity. This is driving demand for server platforms that are highly resilient.” The 12th generation of ftServers is available for purchase by VMware vSphere users now, while Windows Server and RHEL customers should expect to see variants that support their operating systems of choice before year-end. Stratus declined to provide pricing information.

Stratus Technologies has announced the release of the 12th generation of its ftServer line, which features new hardware enhancements, improved resiliency for critical workloads, and future support for a broader range of operating systems. The latest ftServers are available in four configurations, with the 6920 designed for rigorous data- and transaction-intensive work in large data centers, while the 6910 is built for smaller facilities. The 4920 and 2920 are for medium-size facilities and remote offices, and for running individual applications on shop floors or in industrial plants.

The hardware upgrades include new Xeon processors, which should help with high-volume transactional work and artificial intelligence, improved SAN bandwidth, and support for both copper and fiber optical networking. The most significant aspect of the latest ftServers, however, is software support, with platforms initially supporting VMware vSphere and support for RHEL and Windows Server planned by year-end.

Dave McCarthy, IDC vice president and edge computing analyst, said the flexibility offered by open industry standards is essential for organizations working in an increasingly heterogeneous computing environment. “This helps reduce costs for customers while allowing them to more quickly adopt new technologies,” he added. Open standards also make it easier for businesses to remotely manage systems running on edge servers, thereby increasing productivity. Maximizing uptime is a key potential upside for the ftServer platform, particularly for industries with capital-intensive, revenue-generating assets that view unexpected downtime as the enemy.

According to McCarthy, “For these organizations, an hour of downtime can result in millions in lost business opportunity. This is driving demand for server platforms that are highly resilient.” The 12th generation of ftServers is available for purchase by VMware vSphere users now, while Windows Server and RHEL customers should expect to see variants that support their operating systems of choice before year-end. Stratus declined to provide pricing information.