Used IBM Servers | New Power 10 Systems | QRadar SIEM Security
3 minutes reading time
(697 words)
IBM z: More than a legacy workhorse
IBM mainframe systems are still running the bulk of critical workloads at over 70% of the world’s largest and most successful companies. The first IBM mainframe and 911 Porcshe were both sold in same year, 1964. Most people do not realize how advanced and powerful the IBM z platform is, and always has been. The fact is, virtualization was being developed on the IBM mainframe in the 1960s and added this amazing new technology to the platform in 1972, decades before any other platform. To this day, companies are adding more and more workloads to their IBM z every day, because they are extremely fast, secure, flexible and scalable. No other platform can match the IBM mainframe in any of these categories, especially considering its ability handle very high volume OLTP workloads that would pummel most other systems beyond recognition. The IBM mainframe also has an amazing ability to consume and manage massive amounts of data very efficiently.
Note: I keep mentioning “IBM” every time “mainframe” is referenced. Once in a while there is negative press release involving a mainframe, and the article does not mention the manufacture. Most people automatically assume IBM anytime “mainframe” is discussed, but the negative articles I have read do not involve IBM. The Unisys mainframe was one being referenced in the articles I read, but was not specifically mentioned in any of the content.
True, the IBM z is known for maintaining legacy software applications, but it is also very much involved in ongoing development projects and carrying new workloads. Most IBM mainframe shops have plans to make use of their big iron as much as possible. Odds are, you were involved in several of mainframe transactions today; using your bank, health or insurance services, booking a room, renting a car, or perhaps you bought some merchandise or groceries at a local store or online. The IBM mainframe is used in just about every industry, and it remains the workhorse for key business transactions that other platforms simply are not capable of handling or likely trusted.
Companies are continuing to invest and develop on their mainframes for all the reasons already mentioned, and because the total cost of ownership looks really good on paper to management. Benchmarks show workloads running on an IBM mainframe can be over 50% cheaper than running on x86 servers or in the cloud, and an IDC study states companies can achieve over 300% ROI in 5 years and breakeven in less than 1 year. IBM has made major investments in advancing the z system to keep up with the times, and is capable of running Linux and Unix applications, support modern programming languages, and serve as the ideal ecosystem for x86 farms, cloud, big data analytics and AI solutions.
Enterprises with an IBM mainframe move applications to it for various reasons, but when security is a key factor, the decision is simple. For instance, the blockchain model is made up of a series of transaction records by assembling data blocks that cannot be altered, which makes the IBM mainframe the perfect platform. Even Amazon AWS is offering blockchain solutions for the IBM mainframe. The IBM z can process 12 billion encrypted transactions per day, encrypting the entire blockchain process without a hiccup. The IBM mainframe is able to encrypt data almost 20 times faster than x86 platforms and at 95% less cost. In fact, the IBM z can encrypt 100% of its software applications, database, mobile and cloud service data with no application changes and little impact on SLAs. The new IBM z also automatically protects encryption keys in the event any signs of tampering are discovered, and will protect data in-motion and at-rest.
Most companies do not have a mainframe, and even more do not believe they can afford one. However, maybe some companies should be exploring the value of IBM’s big iron. IBM has new affordable pricing models requiring low monthly commitments that smaller companies can likely take advantage of. IBM’s flexible consumption pricing lets companies pay as they go when deploying new applications on z/OS. Is it time for your company to explore what an IBM z can do for you?
Companies are continuing to invest and develop on their mainframes for all the reasons already mentioned, and because the total cost of ownership looks really good on paper to management. Benchmarks show workloads running on an IBM mainframe can be over 50% cheaper than running on x86 servers or in the cloud, and an IDC study states companies can achieve over 300% ROI in 5 years and breakeven in less than 1 year. IBM has made major investments in advancing the z system to keep up with the times, and is capable of running Linux and Unix applications, support modern programming languages, and serve as the ideal ecosystem for x86 farms, cloud, big data analytics and AI solutions.
Enterprises with an IBM mainframe move applications to it for various reasons, but when security is a key factor, the decision is simple. For instance, the blockchain model is made up of a series of transaction records by assembling data blocks that cannot be altered, which makes the IBM mainframe the perfect platform. Even Amazon AWS is offering blockchain solutions for the IBM mainframe. The IBM z can process 12 billion encrypted transactions per day, encrypting the entire blockchain process without a hiccup. The IBM mainframe is able to encrypt data almost 20 times faster than x86 platforms and at 95% less cost. In fact, the IBM z can encrypt 100% of its software applications, database, mobile and cloud service data with no application changes and little impact on SLAs. The new IBM z also automatically protects encryption keys in the event any signs of tampering are discovered, and will protect data in-motion and at-rest.
Most companies do not have a mainframe, and even more do not believe they can afford one. However, maybe some companies should be exploring the value of IBM’s big iron. IBM has new affordable pricing models requiring low monthly commitments that smaller companies can likely take advantage of. IBM’s flexible consumption pricing lets companies pay as they go when deploying new applications on z/OS. Is it time for your company to explore what an IBM z can do for you?