Hybrid cloud computing has become one of the hottest trends of the past few years as businesses strive to combine the advantages of on-premises datacenters with the seemingly limitless potential of the cloud. But like most new technological models, it raises new hurdles that call for new solutions. IBM believes it has one of the answers. The tech giant has unveiled IBM Power10, a next-generation central processing unit that it says will “meet the unique needs of enterprise hybrid cloud computing.”
IBM’s first 7nm CPU
The CPU is IBM’s first commercialized 7-nanometer processor. 7nm technology promises faster speeds with lower power consumption. IBM says its Power10 is expected to deliver as much as three times improvement in processor energy efficiency and capacity as its current state-of-the-art IBM Power9 CPU.
“Enterprise-grade hybrid clouds require a robust on-premises and offsite architecture inclusive of hardware and co-optimized software,” Stephen Leonard, general manager of IBM Cognitive Systems, said. “With IBM Power10, we’ve designed the premier processor for enterprise hybrid cloud, delivering the performance and security that clients expect from IBM.”
Key to IBM-Red Hat hybrid cloud strategy
The new CPU is part of IBM’s hybrid cloud strategy that was accelerated by its acquisition of Red Hat in 2018. Leonard notes that it is IBM’s goal to make “Red Hat OpenShift the default choice for hybrid cloud.” IBM says the Power10 provides hardware memory encryption that will boost the security of companies using a hybrid cloud strategy by giving developers the ability to “design applications that are more resistant to attacks with minimal performance loss.”
The IBM Power10 is expected to be available in the second half of next year. The CPU will be manufactured by Samsung Electronics.
7nm technology has become a buzzword in CPU technology. Advanced Micro Devices has already unveiled its 7nm chip. Intel, meanwhile, has stumbled in its attempt to climb on the 7nm bandwagon.
Images: IBM
