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MSI Compute Blade Achieves Server System Infrastructure Forum Integrators' List Status

The MSI MS-91C1 successfully passes SSI-Compliance and Interoperability tests, under the direction of the SSI Forum’s C&I Lab and coordination with the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL)

The Server System Infrastructure Forum (SSI) has announced that MSI, a leading manufacturer of servers, motherboards, graphics cards and consumer electronic devices, has qualified for official entry to the SSI Integrators’ List (IL) after the company successfully tested its MS-91C1 compute blade, and passed SSI-Compliance and Interoperability (C&I) tests. The C&I tests were conducted at UNH-IOL, with support from the SSI Forum’s C&I Lab. By meeting SSI standards, the MS-91C1 is now able to support the growth of the SSI ecosystem, creating lasting benefits at all levels of the industry.

The SSI Integrators’ list program offers SSI Forum members the opportunity to participate in a series of blade and switch specification tests, verifying that products have met all of the required criteria for SSI-C&I. To gain access to the SSI Integrators’ List and to display the SSI-compliant logo, MSI completed tests in the following three areas:
  • SSI-Signal Quality: To verify that the switch is capable of reliable serializer/deserializer- (SerDes) level signaling over an SSI-architecture channel.
  • SSI-Base Management: To verify the proper I2C functionality, I2C thermal reporting and proper vital product data (VPD) access and format. Also verifies proper I2C configuration, firmware update, hot insertion/removal, and uses MG-SOFT management information base (MIB) browser to assure the event reporting model is fully functional within the blade center architecture.
  • SSI-Basic Interoperability: To verify IO module hardware/firmware interoperability within various chassis that will be a baseline metric for IO module entry into an OEM system integration test.

The MS-91C1 is a Compute Blade node that can support up to 2x Intel Six Core 95W Xeon processors and 12x DDR3 1333MHz Registered & Unbuffered Memory for ultra performance. As a high-speed server Blade design, the MS-91C1 can be combined with any SSI-compliant blade system for powerful storage in a single blade unit. Since the MS-91C1 performs as the hardware kernel, administrators no longer need to worry about constantly updating individual computers—resulting in reduced costs and enhanced flexibility and mobility. The blade’s redundant design allows administrators to hot-plug each individual server node without disrupting service and, with its advanced management software, provides automatic reports of any failures. With the features such as Turbo Boost Technology, Hyper-Threading Technology, Virtualization Technology and Intelligent Power Technology, the MS-91C1 is an ideal choice for power-efficient, high-performance SSI Compute Blade Node.

“The greatest benefit for MS-91C1 is that it can be easily managed and upgraded, which can reduce the investment on server systems for the business,” said Norman Tsai, MSI EPS BU General Manager.

“We are pleased to announce that MSI has achieved Integrators’ List status. This is a very significant accomplishment for the MSI team, as they are the first to successfully pass all of the rigorous testing procedures,” said Jim Ryan, chairman, SSI Forum. “I encourage all members of the SSI Forum to make plans to participate in future testing events to achieve IL status, and also to bring to market products that are truly interoperable.”
 
The UNH-IOL is the first test lab approved to perform compliance and interoperability testing for the SSI Forum. For more information on SSI C&I testing, refer to the UNH-IOL test suites pageand the SSI Forum's Compliance and Interoperability page, or contact compliance@ssiforum.org.

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