Cluster Computing:

SUN, TOPSPIN RUN CLUSTERS USING INFINIBAND TECHNOLOGY

Leading the effort to provide high-performance data center solutions for InfiniBand-based technology, Sun Microsystems, Inc. and Topspin Communications demonstrated an InfiniBand-based Oracle Database clustering solution. This InfiniBand-based solution is configured to run the Red Hat Linux operating system and Oracle Database 10g on a Sun Fire V65x server cluster. The configuration also includes Sun Fire V60x servers, Sun StorEdge 3510 Fibre Channel storage arrays, Sun Control Station and Topspin's Switched Computing System. Internal Topspin benchmarks show that InfiniBand-based technology offers approximately ten times higher throughput, one-tenth the latency and lower CPU utilization than other interconnects, and can help deliver more flexibility and cost containment for the development of database server clusters.

"Sun is driving innovation in technology to help reduce cost and complexity in the data center, and we see InfiniBand technology as a great way to efficiently run database server clusters," said Subodh Bapat, chief technologist, Volume Systems Products at Sun. "Oracle has already shown that InfiniBand promises great horizontal scalability for clustering its database, including very high throughput and low latency. Working together with Topspin, we're delivering upon our commitment to lead with next-generation technology for Sun's low-cost computing entry-level systems."

InfiniBand Technology is Ideal for Database Server Clusters

InfiniBand is ideal for clustered systems, can migrate throughout the data center, and can efficiently interoperate with both Ethernet and Fibre Channel protocols. When coupled with integrated clusterware, a new feature of Oracle Database 10g, the creation and operation of enterprise grid infrastructures, such as database server clusters, are as easy as setting up traditional individual systems.

"Oracle, Sun and Topspin are committed to low-cost computing for our customers," said Robert Shimp, vice president, Oracle Database Marketing. "Giving our customers the ability to quickly deploy horizontally scalable servers and create true database server clusters will help reduce time-to- market and result in better return on investment."

Oracle Database 10g can help customers squeeze more productivity out of their existing IT equipment and staff. Its unique grid cluster computing technology boosts overall system performance, reduces redundancy and inefficiency in IT operations, and provides better overall quality of service and business intelligence. This latest release offers added support for extremely large databases.

"We're testing InfiniBand technology in our labs today and we're excited to see Sun and Topspin working together to provide the systems for an InfiniBand clustering solution, leveraging the new Oracle Database 10g," said Steve Soper, Director of Oracle Professional Services, FusionStorm. "As with any new technology, it's critical to have close cooperation between the key technology providers, along with leading integrators like FusionStorm, to deliver an end- to-end solution for end customers."

Sun plans to incorporate InfiniBand support within select Sun Fire server products, as well as storage and software products. Last March, 2003, Sun announced it selected Topspin to provide both the Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet I/O modules for Sun's next-generation InfiniBand-based volume server products.

"Topspin's focus is on providing Sun and Oracle customers with a complete InfiniBand clustering solution optimized for Oracle," said Stu Aaron, vice president marketing, Topspin. "Oracle worked with Topspin over the last year to develop Linux drivers for Oracle Database 10g and Sun has worked with Topspin to enable InfiniBand on the server and storage side. These relationships ensure the best possible experience for channel partners and end customers."

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision -- "The Network is the Computer" has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that make the Net work. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://sun.com/.