IBM Launches 64-Way z10 Enterprise Class Mainframe Behemoth
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

Ever since IBM put Star-class 64-bit PowerPC processors into its RISC-based RS/6000 and AS/400 lines in 1997 and scaled them up to a dozen processors in a single system image, you could argue that CMOS-based mainframes have taken a backseat to Big Blue's RISC machines in terms of raw performance. With the advent of dual-core Power4 servers in late 2001, the disparity only got worse as IBM broke through the gigahertz barrier, leaving mainframes in the dust. Last week, with the launch of the System z10 Enterprise Class mainframe, the mainframe is as close to parity with big Unix and proprietary RISC machines as it has been in a long, long time. READ MORE >

Top Mainframe Stories from Around the Web

(IT Jungle) The server market on planet Earth continued to grow during 2007 and the additional 8.84 million units have yet to alter our orbit. Just another year in server paradise, right? Pretty much so as small gains in shipments and revenues have been steadily recorded for the past several years now. IBM ranked third in total units shipped, and topped revenues once again. READ MORE >

(The Register) One million dollars is a hefty price tag for computer, yet for some companies it sounds like the best thing since Big Blue was knee high to a grasshopper. It outworks X64 servers by a factor of 1,500, slashes energy costs by 85 percent, and performs like a 20-mule team on steroids. And, on top of that, it scoffs at the idea that the mainframe is a dinosaur. READ MORE >

(Server Watch) Recent reports of declining mainframe computer sales are attributed to a delay in upgrading decisions based on the arrival of the new z10 boxes that are now available and are expected to quickly pick up the slack in sales. The performance boost will make any organization happy that it waited to seal their next mainframe deal. READ MORE >

(SearchSOA) Mainframe-based Web services are often buried by the opinions of SOA architects and developers on the Java and .NET side of the shop. Do you have a problem with that? You should says Robert Morris, chief strategy officer at GT Software. READ MORE >

(CA) IBM's z10 Enterprise Class platform is on the scene, but it takes enterprise class software from the ISVs to make customers want to upgrade. As usual, CA is in step with mainframe enhancements and its management software is ready to go from Day One. READ MORE >

(Hitachi Data Systems) Also ready for mainframe upgrades is Hitachi Data Systems, which is prepared to certify ESCON, FICON, and Fibre Channel connectivity for the new zSeries computers to its disk arrays. It will also continue to support the z/OS, z/VSE, and z/VM operating systems on the new boxes attached to its arrays. READ MORE >

(BluePhoenix) What will $12 million buy in today's mainframe market? For one large financial company, it will pay the bill for migrating legacy applications and databases to a Microsoft Windows and SQL Server platform. The project includes data and code conversions, and the re-hosting of several legacy applications and all associated systems. The payoff is a projected 50 percent reduction in the total cost of ownership, plus an increase in operating efficiencies and future development agility. READ MORE >

Chats, Webinars, Seminars, Shows, and Other Happenings

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April 6-11 -- Las Vegas, Nevada - Impact 2008, IBM's Smart SOA Conference is a showcase for WebSphere as the foundation, the tools, and all the materials needed to create a service oriented architecture. Technical experts from IBM, analysts, and companies that have implemented SOA solutions are taking the starring roles in this production. In addition to educational sessions and keynote addresses, there will be a solution center expo area. LEARN MORE >

May 18-22 -- Orlando, Florida - Users of IBM's Tivoli Maximo and Netcool software have their own conference dedicated to integrating the silo environments that are prevalent in many data centers and improving service management. Included in the event will be presentations by more than 100 customers and business partners and one-on-one meetings with IBM executives, industry experts and analysts. LEARN MORE >

June 4-6 -- Chicago, Illinois - The IBM Energy Efficiency Initiative takes center stage at the See Blue, Think Green Technical Conference that brings together technical experts and business leaders. Sessions will concentrate on best practices in energy efficiency, innovative power and cooling technologies, and eco-friendly asset disposal services. There will also be technical sessions and hands on labs featuring IBM's most recent system announcements (including Power Systems, Mainframe Systems, Storage Systems, and Modular Systems) to present platform-specific topics. LEARN MORE >