System z10 Sales: Banking on IBM
by Hesh Wiener

IBM's System z10 mainframes are expensive. Prices start in the vicinity of a million bucks and there is no ceiling. A single fat machine can cost upwards of $25 million, and hardly anyone will get just one because large mainframes are acquired in clusters. If history is a guide, most z10 customers will lease rather than buy the machines. But changing tax laws and tumultuous financial markets aren't making this easy. If IBM Global Finance (IGF) can't provide compelling lease deals, prospective customers might not simply go elsewhere for financing. They might instead put off moving to the z10. READ MORE >

Top Mainframe Stories from Around the Web

(New York Times) People who believe that technological innovation requires a break from the past need only to look around at the majority of examples that prove this is not the case. A stellar case in point is the mainframe. Innovation abounds. As many engineers in many professions have found, success is most often evolutionary rather than revolutionary. READ MORE >

(Processor.com) When it comes to energy efficiency, IBM claims its System z is unmatched in its greenness, which is the preferred way of implying it will save you money. Wait just a pea-pickin' minute, says this article, which recommends replacing mainframes with more energy-efficient blade servers. Make sure you consider the power drain that goes toward cooling requirements and the energy demand of the storage devices before you make claims of being the green giant. READ MORE >

(Enterprise Systems) For the performance-minded IT geek, there's plenty of "my processor can beat up your processor" talk flying around. The last round of mainframe introductions has stirred that pot quite nicely. In this article, industry analysts ogle the mainframe muscle and gush superlatives. READ MORE >

(EMC) Virtual tape libraries are not always tapeless. That's right. If a VTL requires physical tapes on the back end, it is not reducing the costs associated with handling the tapes. When venturing down this path, ask whether your VTL allows processing and retrieving information at disk speed. Question two should be whether your system can be scaled without the need for additional subsystems, tape libraries, or specialized network adapters. READ MORE >

Chats, Webinars, Seminars, Shows, and Other Happenings

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

March 26 -- Webcast - This session examines contact centers and focuses on the problem of delays in compiling customer information and expediting calls because agents are forced to deal with five to ten mainframe applications. The solution provided in this presentation is based on Microsoft Windows, and allows users to examine information collected in a single customer view. The benefit is improved workflow, productivity, and enhanced customer service. The event begins at 2 p.m. EDT. LEARN MORE >

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 System, and Modular Systems) to present platform-specific topics. LEARN MORE >