A new series of computers based on IBM Corp.'s POWER7 microprocessors have been launched. These four new systems aim to widen IBM's hefty share of the $14 billion UNIX server market.

The hardware and software development work took place in Poughkeepsie. Ross Mauri, General Manager of Power Systems for IBM said the processor is a big step for IBM, integrating eight processing cores in one chip package, with each core capable of executing four tasks--called "threads"--turning an individual chip into a virtual 32-core processor.

As to this UNIX line, Mauri said, "On launch day we launch the middle of the line".

IBM had made a commitment in 1998 to do serious research and development drive on UNIX.

IBM has taken market share from both Sun Microsystems and Hewlett-Packard Co. because of the advanced features of New Power7 which include - the IBM Power 780, a new category of scalable, high-end servers, featuring an advanced modular design with up to 64 Power7 cores; the IBM Power 770, a midrange system with up to 64 Power7 cores, featuring higher performance per core than Power6 processors and using up to 70 percent less energy for the same number of cores as Power6 processors; and the IBM Power 755, a high-performance computing cluster node with 32 Power7 cores.