Introduction - IBM AS/400e User Handbook Manual

Introduction

The first AS/400e models based on the 64-bit RISC PowerPC AS processors were
announced in June 1995. The ease with which customers have migrated to these powerful
systems is a testimony to the fundamental strength of the AS/400e architecture.
In the year 2000, the introduction of the AS/400e Servers 250, 270, and 8XX significantly
accents the evolution of the IBM AS/400e product line. The top Model 8xx performance is
increased three and a half times for both base and interactive processors. The 270 server
offers thirteen times the top-to-bottom scalability. DASD capacity is over four times the DASD
capacity of the largest 7XX server today. Maximum main storage is more than doubled with
the 840 server, to boast a new powerful 24-way processor. With all of this, the
price/performance is equal to, or better than, the 7XX servers.
I/O enhancements include:
• A new Integrated Netfinity Server
• 1 Gbps high-speed Ethernet LAN adapter
• 100 Mbps high-speed Token-Ring adapter
• External CD-ROM device
• V.90 integrated modem in the base system
The new technologies behind the new 270 and 8xx servers expand the range for processor
power, main storage, DASD storage, and communications speeds far beyond the current
range of scalability—to extreme scalability. With this expanded range of scalability, you have
the power and flexibility to integrate a variety of modern computing environments, from core
business to e-business, in a very cost effective way, without concern for limits within a single
server. The broad range of hardware migration support protects the investments you have
with the AS/400e.
With continuing support for the bread and butter programming languages, new technologies
are embraced, such as Java, business intelligence, Domino, and e-business enabler
software. Integrate new applications on a single system as well as on multiple systems with
the 8xx servers.
The new 250, 270, and 8xx servers, including updated Dedicated Servers for Domino, enable
you to minimize your costs for specific purpose application environments, such as Domino for
AS/400, multiple "Application Service Provider" environments, or a mixture of multiple
applications. Using Domino for AS/400 as an example, you can run Domino alongside
existing applications or on processors uniquely tuned for Domino workloads.
The new V4R5 hardware completes the transition to PCI I/O architecture with the introduction
of PCI architecture in all 270 and 8XX servers. This change enables Hot-Plug PCI, to add,
remove, and replace hardware without taking the server down on all 8xx and some 270
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000
Introduction
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