IBM Targets Midsize IT Shops with New Entry-Level Mainframe

A year after rolling out its breakthrough zEnterprise mainframe system, IBM has announced a new “entry-level” mainframe server to extend mainframe qualities and capabilities to more organizations, especially companies and governments in emerging markets in Asia, Africa and elsewhere.

In addition to the new mainframe, IBM also announced support for System x blades within the zEnterprise System running Linux. The company also said support for Windows will come later in the year.

The new system, the IBM zEnterprise 114 a  version of the IBM zEnterprise System the company says is the most scalable mainframe ever — follows the introduction of the zEnterprise System for the world’s largest banks, insurance companies and governments in July of last year. The new server — which allows mid-size organizations to enjoy the benefits of a mainframe as the foundation of their data centers — costs 25 percent less and offers up to 25 percent more performance than its predecessor, the System z10 BC server, IBM officials said.

Moreover, it is projected that clients can consolidate workloads from 40 x-86 processors running Oracle software on to a new z114 with just three processors running Linux. What s more, IBM claims, over a three year period, total costs for hardware, software and support on the new z114 can be up to 80 percent less than that of consolidated servers. Similar savings on floor space and energy are also possible, said David Gelardi, vice president of sales support and education for IBM s Systems and Technology Group, in an interview with eWEEK.

“We’re seeing great progress in the market with the mainframe, especially in emerging countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and South America,” Gelardi said.

At a starting price of less than $75,000 — IBM’s lowest price ever for a mainframe server — the zEnterprise 114 is an especially attractive option for emerging markets experiencing rapid growth in new services for banking, retail, mobile devices, government services and other areas, Gelardi said. These organizations are faced with ever-increasing torrents of data and want smarter computing systems that help them operate efficiently, better understand customer behavior and needs, optimize decisions in real time, and reduce risk.

To read the original eWeek article, click here: IBM’s New ‘Entry-Level’ Mainframe Targets Midsize IT Shops

CIO Insight Staff
CIO Insight Staff
CIO Insight offers thought leadership and best practices in the IT security and management industry while providing expert recommendations on software solutions for IT leaders. It is the trusted resource for security professionals who need network monitoring technology and solutions to maintain regulatory compliance for their teams and organizations.

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