NEC Demos Dynamic Partitioning of CPU and Memory using Longhorn Server

NEC’s news release today says the following:

NEC Corporation today announced it has demonstrated the world’s first dynamic partitioning of CPU and memory resources on the Beta 2 version of Microsoft Windows Server, code-named “Longhorn,” using NEC’s enterprise server Express5800/1320Xf. Express5800/1320Xf is a large-scale, high-reliability server that can run up to 32 Intel 64-bit Dual-Core Itanium 2 processors. The demonstration was conducted during the iExpo2006 exhibition held on December 6-8 in Tokyo, Japan. 

Dynamic partitioning allows the replacement of failed modules, as well as the replacement of hardware that show signs of impending failure, on mission critical systems while still in operation.

The NEC Express5800/1320Xf contains up to eight modules with CPU and memory resources. Each of these modules supports “hot-swap” and “hot plug” technology. By duplicating the system clock and cross-bar switch, the server also enables power and fan redundancy as well as replacement of each module without halting the system. Thus the CPU and memory modules have dynamic reconfiguration functions. This implementation confirms dynamic partitioning of the CPU and memory as a complete system using Windows Server “Longhorn.”

Patrick