英特尔：IBM推出Linux服务器，我根本不Care！

一些产业观察家认为英特尔服务器芯片业务将受到IBM Linux服务器推出的影响；IBM声称其新型服务器将以过去一半的成本实现两倍的速度提升，而参照系正是英特尔基于Xeon的服务器产品；而英特尔即将在2016年第一季度推出的Broadwell Xeon处理器，将对IBM的新型服务器产品构成挑战。

Summary

Some industry watchers believe Intel’s server chip business could take a hit with the launch of IBM’s Linux servers. IBM claims its new servers are capable of completing average workloads at less than half the cost and more than twice the speed of an Intel Xeon-based server. Intel’s upcoming Broadwell-based Xeon processors, which will be released in the first quarter of 2016, will present tough challenge to IBM’s new servers.

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) is the market leader in the server chip business with its Xeon line of servers. In an effort to take the server chip business away from Intel, IBM (NYSE:IBM) has launched its new Power processor-based Linux servers, which are faster and cheaper than a similarly configured x86-based server powered by Intel's Xeon E5 processor, IBM claims. IBM's internal testing showed that its new Power Systems LC line of servers are capable of completing an average Apache Spark workload at less than half the cost of an x86-based Intel Xeon E5-2699 powered server. IBM claims the LC line of servers can provide customers 2.3 times better performance per dollar spent, compared to the x86-based Xeon powered servers.

Doug Balog, General Manager of IBM Power Systems, said:

Embracing an open model of innovation has enabled us to build systems that help translate mountains of data into actionable business insight. By collaborating with partners from the OpenPower Foundation, our new line of servers provides clients with the performance they need to analyze and act on their data in real time.

Clearly, IBM is aiming at taking the server chip business away from Intel. Should Intel really worry?

IBM's Server Revenues Plunged in Q1

With IBM's server business declining continuously, the launch of its new line of servers is a desperate move to retain market share. IBM is targeting the enterprises and the HPC (high performance computing) segment with its new line of servers. In the first quarter of 2015, worldwide server market grew 17.2% year-over-year in terms of revenues, while IBM's server revenues plunged 18.7%, according to IDC. It said, "IBM retained its number 3 position following its x86 divestiture with $1.7 billion in revenue and 13.2% market share. IBM's revenues are now associated with its Power and mainframe product lines." IBM's market share fell to 13.2% from 19% in the year-ago quarter.

IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Server Tracker, May 2015

Intel Has Nothing to Worry About

IDC further said that in the first quarter worldwide volume server revenue increased 13.6% to $9.7 billion driven by continued expansion of x86-based hyperscale server infrastructures. As long as this trend continues, Intel has nothing to worry about. In case of volume servers, each server is assigned one role. In case of lower volume or midrange servers, each server is assigned multiple roles. In the midrange segment, revenue increased 7.2% to $1 billion. The midrange segment is dominated by the Intel x86 processors. IBM has no role here. However, the situation is changing in the volume server segment where IBM Power processors used to dominate the market earlier.

While IBM still enjoys leadership position in the non-x86 segments with its mainframe and Power processors, the situation is