An article related to IBM's new development discusses how "in data-center computing, the big trend today is to move from building blocks to bundles" (2). The question is whether or not this is going to be beneficial to the consumers. On IBM's website, they neglect to mention the price of this new processor saying only that it will be priced accordingly with the competitor's. However, after more research, I was able to find that the Power7 processor is priced at $190,000. IBM's target industries for this new product are specifically those involved in finance as well as scientific researchers. An example in one article came from the vice president of IT at Rice University who specializes in cancer research claiming that cancer will one day be the lead killer of people. Khan said that after using the new Power7 processor, they are already seeing benefits because they are constantly doing data analysis and the new system is helping to provide the results quick and more efficiently. I was also able to find that IBM is hoping to come out in the future with just as efficicent systems, but ones that will be more afforadable and aimed at email and web applications.
The new process is a smart grid designed to help consumers learn more about their own actions so to avoid expensive costs. "The goal of smart grids, which governements are starting to heavily subsidize, is to give households and businesses timely information so they can change their electricity consumption habits to reduce energy use and pollution, and save money" (2). I think that this is a powerful attribute especially with the world today all involved in the "go green" campaign. After reading several articles, it seemed that a lot of the new technology was trying to be developed in an envirnonmentally friendly order.
I think that IBM's new Power7 processor is going to be a success because organizations and industries are constantly working with data and trying to analyze this data, but are often found overwhelmed with it all. This new processor could potentially change that problem. I found it especially interesting to learn that cancer researchers at Rice University also use the Power7. To know that this new processor is helping speed up cancer research is definitly beneficial not only to the researchers, but the world as a whole. It could even mean that a cure is closer to being found. I think that developing the Power7, it will help IBM to stay on top in the technology industry as well.
References:
1. "IBM Unveils new Power7 Systems to Manage Increasingly Data-Intensive Services" 8 February 2010.http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/29315.wss (Accessed February 10, 2010).
2. Steve Lohr. “Bundling Hardware and Software to do Big Jobs.” The New York Times. 8 February 2010. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/08/technology/08blue.html (Accessed February 10, 2010)
3. Darryl K Taft. “IBM Aims New Power7 Systems at the Smarter Planet.” 8 February 2010. http://www.eweek.com/c/a/IT-Infrastructure/IBM-Aims-New-Power7-Systems-at-the-Smarter-Planet-217284/ (Accessed February 10, 2010)
I believe that this more simplified, yet faster Power7Processor will start to be utilized by several big-name research organizations. Since the processor is costly, the general public probably won't get their hands on it right away, but when the cost becomes more affordable I do think that people will consider this to be a smart investment. The fact that this processor allows information to be sorted and accessed faster and more accurately means that the companies that decide to purchase one could quite possibly see the benefits in their research. Once one company makes the purchase, it will become inevitable that other companies will also purchase one to keep up with the competition. Therefore I believe that IBM has really implemented a revenue-generating product that is bound to make its way in to several organizations.
ReplyDeleteI think that the IBM Power 7 Processor profitable, over time. To allow a given computer to run 32 processes at one time will be extremely useful to those working in data research. It seems as IBM is also trying to target the fact that technology is changing daily. With new visualizations, energy savings, and a more cost-efficient use of memory, the new IBM chip will only please customers even more. This update will only support IBM’s attempt to be sophisticated and updated as a company. I know right now the price of the processor is a little expensive, but over time it may prove to customers to be worth the price, especially if the processor will help customers recognize and avoid their expensive costs. I think the new Power 7 Processor will help the overwhelming feeling that companies feel when it comes to data searching, another reason it will be successful.
ReplyDeleteTechnology and the speed of processors is an ever changing field. The $190,000 price tag seems expensive for a new system at first, but not having another comparable processors price to compare it to, makes me unsure of what to think about the price. To many large corporations that employ thousands of people $190,000 expenditure is not a large price, if it will reduce costs, save energy and help the company perform its functions quicker. This new Power7Processor may take some time to filter into major corporations due to the financial crisis, but I feel that in the near future this processor will be a move that all large corporations will have to take to increase their profitability. In a market where speed is key, I think IBM has created a new product that will help boost revenues and keep the company as one of the leaders in the technology industry.
ReplyDeleteWe live in a world saturated with technology. Advances in technology occur more rapidly than our mind can digest it. Once we fully master one system, it has already become outdated and obsolete and we must master a new one, only to find ourselves in the same predicament. Although these advancements in technology are great, they are useless if we do not how to efficiently and effectively apply them. I believe the technology world needs to focus more on making advancements more user friendly and focus on creating a knowledgeable worker through the use of technology, not just on the advancement on the technology alone. I believe IBM got it right by releasing this new processor. The processor is not only an advancement of technology (with its increased speed), but also has a distinct purpose of linking the information with the user in a more efficient and effective manner.
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