Simplifying Data Center Management
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Indeed, the ability to integrate and manage workload on
select IBM System x servers running Linux as part of the zEnterprise System is
a move that could further simplify data center management and reduce costs.
This capability is delivered through the IBM zEnterprise Unified Resource
Manager and zBX, which allows customers to integrate the management of
zEnterprise System resources as a single system and extend mainframe qualities
to workloads running on other select servers.
The zEnterprise System can now integrate and manage workloads
running on tens of thousands of off-the-shelf applications on select general-purpose
IBM Power7-based and System x blades as well as the IBM Smart Analytics
Optimizer to analyze data faster at a lower cost-per-transaction and the IBM
WebSphere DataPower XI50 for integrating Web-based workloads. Up to 112 blades
can be integrated and managed as part of zBX. Different types of blades and optimizers
can be mixed and matched within the same BladeCenter chassis.
IBM said the Linux capability will begin shipping in
September, and support for Windows on System x blades will begin shipping in
the fourth quarter of 2011.
"When you get into the different personalities, the Linux
opportunity is massive," Gelardi said. Yet IBM also has seen considerable-if
not equal-demand for Windows support on the zEnterprise system, he said.
With the z114, clients can start with smaller configurations
and access additional capacity built into the server as needed without
increasing the data-center footprint or systems-management complexity and cost,
IBM said. The new z114 is also designed to consolidate workloads from
hundreds of x86 servers.
The z114 is powered by up to 14 microprocessors, of which up
to 10 can be configured as specialty engines, IBM officials said. These
specialty engines, the System z Application Assist Processor (zAAP), the System
z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP), and the Integrated Facility for
Linux (IFL) are designed to integrate new Java, XML, and Linux applications and
technologies with existing workloads, as well to optimize system resources and
reduce costs on the mainframe. For
example, using a fully configured machine running Linux for System z, clients
can create and maintain a Linux virtual server in the z114 for as little as
$500 per year, IBM officials estimated.
Getting more specific on stats, the z114 offers up to an 18
percent performance improvement for processing traditional System z workloads
over its predecessor, the z10 BC, and up to an additional 25 percent
improvement for microprocessor intensive workloads using compiler enhancements.
In addition, the z114 runs all the latest zEnterprise
operating systems, including the newly announced z/OS V 1.13. This new version
delivers new software-deployment and disk-management capabilities. It also
offers enhanced autonomics and early error-detection features, as well as the
latest encryption and compliance features extending the mainframe's security
capabilities. Meanwhile, additional compliance and encryption features, the
result of a multiyear effort from IBM Research, further enhance security with
cryptography built into the DNA of System, IBM said.
IBM System z servers are also making inroads in emerging
markets like Africa. Governments and businesses in Cameroon,Senegal
and Namibia
have all recently purchased new IBM mainframe servers.
Meanwhile, IBM announced that IBM Global Financing offers
attractive financing options for existing IBM clients looking to upgrade to a
z114 as well as clients currently using select HP and Oracle servers. For
current System z clients, IBM Global Financing (IGF) can buy back older systems
for cash and upgrade customers to the z114 on a Fair Market Value (FMV) lease,
which offers a predictable monthly payment. IGF will remove and recycle these
older systems in compliance with environmental laws and regulations and pay
clients the fair market value of HP and Oracle-Sun servers. IGF is also offering
a six-month deferral of any hardware, software, services or any combination for
clients who wish to upgrade now, but pay later.
IGF also is offering a zero percent financing for 12
months on any IBM Software, including IBM middleware for the z114 such as
Tivoli, WebSphere, Rational, Lotus and Analytics products, the company said.
