Sun Servers
Definition: Sun servers are manufactured by Sun Microsystems, a key
contributor and distributor of open source software technologies such as the
Java Platform, using processors from AMD and Intel in addition to its own SPARC
range.
Sun Microsystems became famous developing and building servers and workstations
running on SPARC processors and the Solaris Operating system both of which were
proprietary to them. The SPARC processors used a 32 bit architecture that later
became a standard for microprocessors.
| |
|
|
RISC, which stands for reduced instruction set computer, is a type of microprocessor
that recognizes a limited number of instructions. Some experts prefer RISC processors
because they feel that they are cheaper and faster. Others say that because RISC-based
servers have simpler hardware, they place a big load on the software. They feel that
RISC is not worth it because in any
case conventional microprocessors are becoming cheaper and faster.
After a couple of less than successful forays into x86 computing SUN committed
to using AMD processors in 2005 and opened support for operating systems like Linux and
Microsoft Windows.
Some categories of Sun Servers from 2006:
• The Sun Grid
Rack System: A collection of entry-level servers that are easy to use. They
deliver exceptional with faster deployment and lesser risk.
• PRIMEPOWER Servers – They are based on the SPARC processor and the Solaris Operating
System (OS). They are offered in selected areas.
• Carrier-grade Servers – These systems are based on Sun's open standards and are being
used by network equipment providers (NEPs) to meet the requirements of their customers,
who are service providers.
• High-end Servers – These systems are extremely scalable and offer very high availability
for mission-critical network computing. They are powered by the new UltraSPARC IV+
processors and Solaris 10 OS.
• Midrange Servers – They are designed to handle high-volume computing and are backed
by enterprise-class features. They are based on the UltraSPARC IV+ processor and the Solaris OS.
• Entry-level Servers – They offer a good price to performance ratio and are highly
scalable and reliable. They are based on the UltraSPARC processor and the Solaris OS.
• Blade Servers – Based on Sun’s sophisticated modular architecture, they provide the
efficiency and serviceability of Blade servers, along with the price, flexibility and
performance of rack-mounted servers.
• Sun x64 servers – They offer reliability, energy-efficiency and speed. They can have
up to 8 single-core or dual-core Opteron processors and can use almost any OS, including
Windows, Linux, Vmware and Solaris.
• CoolThreads Servers – The new Sun Fire servers use CoolThreads technology to deliver
exceptional performance. They reduce the requirement of space significantly and provide
outstanding power efficiency.
SUN derives its name from the Stanford University Network. The company's advertising
claims they are the ones who put the dot in dot com.
|