IBM Previews Future z/OS, z/VM Mainframe Operating Systems
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

A very large portion of IBM's sales and an even larger share of its profits still come from the mainframe base, and the company can't just sit around collecting cash. Mainframe shops are among the most demanding server users in the world--which is understandable given the high cost of these machines--and Big Blue has to update the software from time to time to give it new functionality. This week, IBM is previewing a set of software upgrades for the mainframe that will come out in stages throughout 2007. READ MORE >

Top Mainframe Stories from Around the Web

(ComputerWorld) As noted in our lead story in Big Iron, when IBM rolls out its newest release of the z/VM operating system at the end of June, running more workloads on virtual machines--up to 1,000 virtual Linux images scaled across 32 processors--becomes an even more attractive proposition for those interested in examining areas such as energy consumption, floor space, and server maintenance. READ MORE >

(eWeek) When workload demands outpace infrastructure growth, you feel the pain of being caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place. To take better advantage of processing power and reduce the load on the general-purpose mainframe processors, IBM developed the System z9 Integrated Information Processor (zIIP). If you've been wondering where are the systems management, application performance, and storage software that assist in bringing this new functionality to bear, it has arrived. READ MORE >

(TmaxSoft) Migrating mainframe applications to the Windows platform isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for those who have chosen to sleep in that bed, here's a rehosting plan that can be added to the list of software vendors with products that promise ease of integration and have the Microsoft seal of approval. READ MORE >

(JME Software) The first thing you might notice about access control software for the mainframe is whether it provides a browser interface. But eventually it must have features such as testing facilities, online reporting from a relational database, real-time alerts, role-based security permissions, and a built-in incident tracking system that help reduce security risks, software licensing fees, and maintenance costs. READ MORE >

(IBM) The mainframe computer may be called a lot of things, but "weakling" isn't one of them. By IBM's reckoning, 95 percent of the world's 500 largest banks are mainframe customers and Big Blue claims the world's largest core banking benchmark. READ MORE >

Chats, Webinars, Seminars, Shows, and Other Happenings

See our full calendar of events at
http://www.itjungle.com/big/big-calendar.html

February 11-16, 2007 -- Tampa, Florida - SHARE User Events offer technical training tailored for enterprise-class IT professionals. The focus is on real-world solutions that meet business challenges. This event is an opportunity to influence future product development and preview current and future solutions from IBM and other leading technology providers. LEARN MORE >

February 21 -- Webinar - Before developers can enhance and integrate a complex portfolio of mainframe applications in a service oriented architecture, they need to understand the business assets that are invested in them. This session, which begins at 11 a.m. EST, includes material for both a technical and business audience. LEARN MORE >

March 6 -- Tampa, Florida - This technical briefing, WebSphere Live for SOA, is a one-day forum that emphasizes and explains why service oriented architecture (SOA) is a key differentiator for the success of companies of all sizes across all industries. It is aimed at a technical audience. LEARN MORE >

March 8 -- Southfield, Michigan - This technical briefing, WebSphere Live for SOA, is a one-day forum that emphasizes and explains why service oriented architecture (SOA) is a key differentiator for the success of companies of all sizes across all industries. It is aimed at a technical audience. LEARN MORE >

April 23-27 -- Orlando, Florida - IBM system management products are the highlight of the Automated Operations Technical Council conference, where sessions are presented by representatives from IBM software development teams and their customers. The focus is on the mainframe environment, but extends out into the enterprise. The AOTC is a closed conference, with attendance by invitation only. Contact your IBM field representative for more details and an opportunity to attend. LEARN MORE >

May 6-10 -- San Jose, California - The International DB2 Users Group conference, known as IDUG 2007 North America, offers training and education on topics that include including DB2 for Linux, Unix, Windows; DB2 for z/OS; Informix; Java; Websphere; and XML. LEARN MORE >