IBM rolls-out new mainframe server for mid-market

BANGALORE, INDIA: IBM announced the launch of new zEnterprise system mainframe server for emerging markets such as Asia and Africa.

The new IBM zEnterprise 114 mainframe server follows the introduction of the zEnterprise System. The new z114 can consolidate more than 300 HP Proliant servers running Oracle workloads, claims the company.

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IBM says that the new server allows mid-sized organizations to enjoy the benefits of a mainframe as the foundation for their data centres, costs 25 per cent1 less and offers up to 25 per cent more performance than its predecessor, the System z10 BC.

The company claims that clients can consolidate workloads from 40 Oracle server cores on to a new z114 with just three processors running Linux.  Compared to the Oracle servers the new z114 costs 80 per cent less with savings on floor space and energy.

IBM also introduced new features on the system, such as support for select System x blades within the zEnterprise System. 

These System x blades can run Linux x86 applications unchanged, and in the future will be able to run Windows applications.

IBM says that with these capabilities, the zEnterprise system including the new z114 can help simplify data centres with its ability to manage workloads across mainframe, Power7 and System x servers as a single system. 

The z114 is powered by up to 14 of the industry's most sophisticated microprocessors of which up to 10 can be configured as specialty engines. These specialty engines, the System z Application Assist Processor (zAAP), the System z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP), and the Integrated Facility for Linux (IFL), are designed  to integrate new Java, XML, and Linux applications and technologies with existing workloads, as well to optimize system resources and reduce costs on the mainframe. 

The z114 offers up to an 18 per cent improvement on processing traditional z/OS workloads and a 25 per cent improvement on microprocessor intensive workloads compared to the z10 BC, claims the company.

The z114 runs all the latest zEnterprise operating systems including the new z/OS V 1.13  announced today.   This new version adds new software deployment and disk management capabilities.  It also offers enhanced autonomics and early error detection features as well as the latest encryption and compliance features extending the mainframe's industry leading security capabilities. 

IBM also announced new capability to integrate and manage workload on select IBM System x servers running Linux as part of the zEnterprise System. Support for Microsoft Windows on select System x servers will follow.

According to the company up to 112 blades can be integrated and managed as part of zBX. IBM Global Financing has also put forth attractive financing options for existing IBM clients looking to upgrade to a z114 as well as clients currently using select HP and Oracle servers.