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Unisys has released two new models of its ClearPath mainframes and a new mainframe virtualization technology, which ships with one of the new hardware systems.

The company added new mid-range Intel-based models to ClearPath Libra and Dorado mainframe families: Libra 4100 series and Dorado 4100 series. Both models use Intel x64 processors, offering more than double the performance offered by the preceding 4000 models, according to the vendor.

The systems' reliability features include mirrored memory and redundant hot-plug power and cooling. There is a high-availability option for both series, which provides a dual-cell configuration with a hot standby. High-availability Dorado 4100 is available now and high-availability Libra 4100 is expected in the second quarter of 2011.

Both models are available with a software-licensing capability to match IT resources to business needs and allow clients to pay for processing power they use.

The new Libra system comes with Unisys' new virtualization technology for ClearPath products called Secure Partitioning, or sPar.

Debuting with the new Libra 4100-series mainframes, sPar divides the system into four partitions that accommodate the central processing complex ÔÇô home of the ClearPath MCP operating system ÔÇô and three specialty engines. Each of the specialty engines performs a specific application function, such as web services or Java application deployment.

Each partition is controlled directly by the OS and is equivalent to an independent server, with its own dedicated processors, memory and I/O. Components communicate at memory speed.

Unisys' key value propositions for sPar are consistent performance and security. Other benefits are reliability ÔÇô considering that one partition's failure has no effect on others ÔÇô and unified control of all management functions through the OS, including backup, restore and disaster recovery.

Unisys VP of ClearPath Portfolio Management Bill Maclean said the company was aiming to give clients new options to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their operations, while building on existing long-term investment in mission-critical systems.

"These new offerings continue our investments to make the ClearPath systems the axis of a next-generation data center that delivers IT resources more efficiently, and with greater reliability and security, than ever before," Maclean said in a statement.