The 64-bit PowerPC derivative-based AS/400 Advanced Series arrived from IBM Corp on schedule yesterday – and users transferring existing workloads to the PowerPC AS-based machines will be able to take immediate advantage of 64-bit processing with their current applications – as was explained in detail earlier this year (CI No 2,650 ). Current AS/400 Advanced Series systems can be upgraded to PowerPC AS, and anyone with anything later than a B Model, an AS/400 Advanced Portable or AS/400 Advanced 36 can upgrade to the Advanced Series while retaining their serial number (that way, IBM gets the used machine off the market). The RISC models are the AS/400 Advanced System models 400, 500, 510 and 530 and the AS/400 Advanced Server models 40S, 50S and 53S, each with four processor options. The 530 and 53S can have two or four processors. OS/400 Version 3.6 adds support for NetWare Loadable Modules and runs NetWare on the 80486-based File Server Input-Output Processor. Notes support is to be added shortly; it offers the Spec 1170 programming interface for migrating compliant Unix applications, offers connection to the Internet via World Wide Web browsers, the promised graphical interface, new object-oriented application development tools, and parallel access capabilities are planned for the integrated DB2 for OS/400 database. Most of the features are already in OS/400 3.1, waiting to be activated. Up to 32 systems can be clustered using OptiConnect fibre optic links. The PowerPC AS microprocessors currently comprise the A10 77MHz three-way superscalar microprocessor – 4.7m transistors in CMOS, and A30 154MHz four-way superscalar seven-chip set – 23.7m transistors in BiCMOS. IBM intends to provide system performance improvements for the Model 53S of up to 300% over the most powerful non-RISC AS/400 Advanced Server, the Model 30S, and to improve system performance of the 530, with its four-way processor, by at least 50% over the non-RISC Model 320 four-way. Only the 53S and 530 include symmetric multiprocessing support for two-way or four-way multiprocessors. The new line supports up to four times as much main memory, twice as much disk and over twice as many lines as current systems – up to 7,000 terminals on a high-end model, up to 16 local nets. AS/400 Advanced Series models 400, 500, 510, 40S and 50S arrive in September with volume ships in the fourth quarter. The 530 and 53S follow in November with volume in first quarter 1996. Prices go from $9,000 for the entry-level 400 to $195,000 for the Model 510. Details of the 530 and 53S will be announced in October.
