IST's recent x64 service announcement prompted a number of questions that we would like to address in this article. The newly announced x64 service is a hardware provisioning service that primarily serves as a foundation for other IST value-added services. It will be used as the delivery platform for the next generation of the Unix WebFarm and CalWeb Pro web hosting services, and replaces our existing HP provisioning service.
The x64 service will also provide the hardware platform for IST's upcoming Linux service that will act much like a private "cloud". This new Linux service will allow customers to purchase a managed virtual server instance that is appropriately sized for their application. These virtual instances will be cost-competitive and allow customers to avoid capital asset and life-cycle management issues associated with acquiring and maintaining physical servers. These virtual instances are also easily reconfigured to match the changing usage patterns of any given application, something that is difficult or impossible to accomplish with a physical server. Look for future communications about this new service at the end of summer 2009.
The approved recharge rate for the x64 service is $150 per socket per month. Although this service is intended for future IST services currently in development, customers interested in this service may purchase it as well, but in 4-socket (whole server) increments only.
| Service | Rate | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| x64 Server Provisioning | $150.00 per socket per month | $600 per month |
For more information about the x64 service, or other IST services, contact the IST Technical Account Management unit (TAM),