FlexFrame for mySAP reduces TCO by up to 60 per cent

- IT Infrastructure for mySAP Environments from Fujitsu Siemens Computers to be launched at CeBIT 2003

Fujitsu Siemens Computers has launched FlexFrame for mySAP, an innovative new Business Critical Computing solution and the result of a joint Fujitsu Siemens Computers development with SAP and Network Appliance. FlexFrame for mySAP significantly simplifies the introduction and operation of mySAP infrastructures, while at the same time reducing overall total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 60 per cent. The new solution is based on the Linux operating system, reducing installation and operating costs, and clearly underlines Fujitsu Siemens Computers' strong commitment to Linux.
 
The first pilot projects for FlexFrame have already been installed. The package is made up of a small number of standardised components, and offers seamless scalability from small systems with some 50 uses through to major enterprise implementations with several thousands of users. All the key services used by a mySAP solution, such as Internet Transaction Server (ITS), database, central instance or application instance, have been fully virtualised in the course of this project and can be switched dynamically between the available servers.
 
Clear user benefits
FlexFrame is primarily of interest to cost-conscious users who place particular value on flexibility, scalability and availability. The new Fujitsu Siemens Computers Business Critical Computing solution is also ideally suited for use in new consolidation projects involving migration from SAP R/3 to the mySAP Business Suite. The fact that FlexFrame can be extended to suit emerging requirements allows Fujitsu Siemens Computers to provide customers with flexible and practically uninterrupted operation and availability of SAP software services 'on demand'.
 
"Fujitsu Siemens Computers has already achieved a unique position as a supplier of mySAP server solutions, with a product offering ranging from extremely compact PRIMERGY BX300 blade servers, through high-performance PRIMERGY four- and eight-way systems, to optimally-scalable PRIMEPOWER servers with best-of-breed storage integration," commented Dr. Joseph Reger, the company's CTO. "Even on their own, the technologies used are impressive, but when effectively combined they allow us to offer something completely new, while also contributing enormously to reducing costs for our customers and therefore increasing cost-effectiveness."
 
The FlexFrame components
FlexFrame for mySAP is a Business Critical Computing solution that represents a balanced combination of an entire range of innovative components. One such component, for example, is the Intel-based PRIMERGY blade server running under the Linux operating system. The database servers used are PRIMERGY four- and eight-processor servers - likewise running under Linux - or alternatively the Solaris/SPARC-based PRIMEPOWER servers. The filers from Network Appliance are integrated as storage systems. High availability is a standard feature, which means that no additional configuration effort is required. All in all, this means fast scaling and online extensibility as well as the availability of a 24-hour, round-the-clock service - seven days a week. Fujitsu Siemens Computers also offers back-up, monitoring and remote access solutions for the entire mySAP landscape.
 
Fujitsu Siemens Computers smoothes the way for enterprise Linux Thanks to its strategic focus on Business Critical Computing, Fujitsu Siemens Computers is a first-class reference for Linux when it comes to enterprise computing. The company also supports top Linux performances in cluster technology - with PRIMECLUSTER and the integrated cluster systems from hpcLine. The open and flexible Linux software forms a powerful basis for Business Critical Computing in combination with the robust hardware from Fujitsu Siemens Computers.
 
PRIMERGY Blade Server
The server unit in the innovative PRIMERGY BX300 blade server family with its one or two processors, main memory, hard disks and LAN interfaces, comprises a single plug-in card (blade). Up to 20 server blades can be accommodated in a BX300 server slot. The entire system only requires three height units within a rack. Up to 300 servers with up to 600 processors can be operated in a single 19-inch rack with 46 height units. PRIMERGY R450 and T850 are high-performance database servers with between four and eight processors and based on Intel Xeon MP technology.
 
PRIMEPOWER Server
The Solaris/SPARC-based PRIMEPOWER servers range from workgroup servers through to high-end enterprise servers, and represent a powerful and high-performance UNIX system platform. Thanks to their excellent performance - to which benchmark results bear testimony - the servers can be used in areas such as insurance, banking, retail and telecoms, as well as in commercial data processing.
 
Network Appliance File Server
The filers from Network Appliance are scalable and high-availability storage solutions that have proven themselves in practice and are used for data consolidation and for simplifying data management. They are easily installable, configurable and manageable appliances, which have been specially developed for the scalable, network-centric IT system architectures of today. Great value was placed in their development on simple, standardised integration, guaranteeing fast implementation, simple operation and low TCO. The filers supplement the overall concept by a number of key features, such as:

• Data availability of more than 99.99 per cent
• SnapShot technology for fast online backups and fast restoration of data (Mean Time To Recover MTTR)
• Online extension of disk units and file systems
• Simple management with a graphical user interface and/or simple command structure
• High performance with self-optimisation and an operating system optimised for data serving
• Operating system-independent, shared data access (FileSharing) via standardised protocols