1. What is a BladeCenter?
The IBM BladeCenter represents the future of high-density server consolidation. Within only 7U of rack space the IBM BladeCenter provides 14 slots for high performance 64-bit server blades and video capture sidecars within each BladeCenter chassis. Each server blade contains the most advanced dual processors, ram, hard drives, and network access components available for truly mission-critical deployments. In addition to dual redundant components, the BladeCenter platform includes a redundant backplane for all cooling components, integrated network components, and power supplies. The BladeCenter offers the most comprehensive redundancy and complete failover safety available in the security and surveillance industry.

2. How does redundancy differ from complete failover safety?
Redundancy refers to hardware components configured to provide a back-up unit in case of failure of the primary unit. Complete failover safety is provided through a video matrix and allows total loss of a blade server connection with automatic failover to the failover blade server. The failover process allows a loss of only 8 frames out of a possible 30 frames a second. This represents only a split second hardly discernable to the human eye. All camera settings and nomenclature will be maintained through the failover process.

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3. How many high performance ports will the BladeCenter Network Video Server system provide?
Each fully populated BladeCenter will provide 224 camera ports within 7U of rack space. A fully populated rack with 6 BladeCenter chassis will control 1,344 cameras for the highest density composite solution on the planet. Please see the diagram below for comparable footprint from VCR to NVR to NVS.

4. How does the BladeCenter improve system management?
Advanced systems management software allows for remote access and management of all servers, individually or as a group. This allows considerable ease of management by allowing a centralized administrator to access all systems through an easy to operate server management interface. This significantly eases tasks such as deployment, re-provisioning, updating and trouble-shooting even for hundreds of server blades. In addition, the light path diagnostic tool automatically detects and alerts the end-user for potential hardware failures or issues.

5. How can so many high performance servers pack into such a small space?
First, the BladeCenter utilizes Calibrated Vector Cooling to provide concentrated cooling to each mission critical and heat vulnerable component. In addition, simply operating within a 64-bit environment allows all components to operate with less heat, processor utilization and power requirements. This significantly improves stability and performance empowering World-class operation within an unmatched footprint.

6. How does the BladeCenter provide return on investment and return a lower total cost of ownership?
 First the consolidated components ease integration costs and logistics by simplifying cable management and reducing infrastructure requirements. With integrated network connection components within the backplane and redundant ports between each server, the BladeCenter provides a complete redundant network solution. In addition, the BladeCenter shares power among the server blades. This allows the BladeCenter to utilize only (2) 220V outlets per blade chassis or only 12 per 1,344 port rack. And with shared Calibrated Vector Cooling, the BladeCenter utilizes less energy for long-term return on investment. Lastly, all IT and security components and services can be bundled within the BladeCenter for considerable ease of management and lower total cost of ownership.