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Issue Date: February 2003

Unix offers reliability and growth potential, says IBM

February 2003

For the most part when we talk about the advances of the CAD/CAM or PLM markets, we tend to focus on software technology.

But what of the hardware - the unsung hero that has to provide a reliable platform for software applications? This month CG spoke to Akhter Dukander, marketing manager for the IBM P-Series in South and Central Africa about the eServer P-Series range.
Previously known as the RS6000, the P-Series runs on Unix-based applications and is used for a host of high-end applications not only in the CAD/CAM and PLM markets, but also in industries such as pharmaceutical, financial and automotive.
In a world where Windows-based applications seems to take the limelight, what makes a Unix-based server the product of choice for any company? Dukander explains that there are a variety of reasons why companies opt for the Unix route. This includes reliability, cost of ownership and most importantly security. "A Unix system is not susceptible to viruses which is an important factor to take into account in mission-critical applications", says Dukander. "In addition, the ongoing development of new applications at a rapid rate strengthens the case for Unix."
Strong position in the market
Ongoing development is key to the success of the P-Series and this contributes strongly to the fact that IBM controls 26% of the market share in the Unix market and is constantly looking to grow this.
Dukander points out that the Unix market is indeed a healthy one with a strong demand for more applications. "There is constant demand by clients for more CPU power, business applications and more server space. To date, over 10 000 business applications running on the Unix platform exist.
"Internet and Web-based applications, totally integrated ERP applications such as SAP and a strong demand for reliability all point towards a high growth for the P-Series. A case in point is the fact that 22 of the major aerospace companies in the world and some of the world's most renowned automotive companies, eg, Volvo make use of CATIA and the P-Series to develop multi-faceted designs," states Dukander.
CATIA and IBM
When it comes to the PLM market, the P-Series together with the CATIA, ENOVIA and DELMIA control a considerable market share, in particular in the aerospace and automotive industries. In fact, IBM uses CATIA to design its very own products, demonstrating the technological expertise of a package that has become the de facto standard in many industries.
Looking back on the history of CATIA, one discovers that it was through the partnership of IBM and Dassault Systemes that has allowed for the ongoing progress of CATIA. The partnership spans over 20 years and is believed to be the longest relationship in the history of the CAD/CAM and PLM markets. In fact, until the development of CATIA Version 5, all CATIA applications were carried out on a Unix platform. Currently, due to its reliability, most large companies have opted for CATIA Version 4 on a Unix platform.
The future
As it stands the future looks promising for the IBM P-Series. "IBM has a well defined road map for the progression of the P-Series. We are constantly upgrading our capability to run more processes, allow for larger disk configuration, greater bandwidth and better network capability," states Dukander. "In addition, we are intent on offering the best possible after-sales service to ensure customer satisfaction.
"For any application or technology to succeed, it has got to be well received and trusted by those who utilise it. I believe that applications that operate on the Unix platform fall into this category," concludes Dukander.
For more information contact Akhter Dukander, IBM South Africa, 011 302 6340, akhterd@za.ibm.com


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