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IBM Offers Windows on Mainframes For The First Time

By - Source: Tom's Hardware US

IBM is expanding software support for its mainframe server technology.

zEnterprise system will be able to connect to Windows applications in a hybrid computing environment that combine z196 and z114 servers that are combined with x86-based IBM x servers. IBM said that the "new heterogeneous virtual IT infrastructure" will become available on December 16.

With an approach that enables front-end Windows applications to integrate with applications and data on a mainframe system, IBM says that the technology addresses the problem of "the jumble of disparate technologies added over time to run specific applications." The combination of the mainframe with an x86 server can consolidate app environments, staff and software tools. As a result, the IT environment will be less complex, will require less management and reduces cost, IBM claims. The company said that the cost savings can amount to "up to 70 percent" over traditional distributed platforms.

The addition of x86 now enables IBM's mainframe system to support z/OS, Linux, IBM AIX, x86 Linux and Microsoft Windows.

There are 32 Comments.
Top Comments
  • 10
    otacon72 , November 8, 2011 5:01 AM
    hpglowThey are selling something, so of course they are going to say that this technology will save a company millions. The catch of course is that it is not free and you will have to spend money to "save" this money. Therefore, it may take a company many years to recoup these savings, if they do at all.


    You're a glass half empty kind of a guy eh?
Other Comments
  • 10
    otacon72 , November 8, 2011 5:01 AM
    hpglowThey are selling something, so of course they are going to say that this technology will save a company millions. The catch of course is that it is not free and you will have to spend money to "save" this money. Therefore, it may take a company many years to recoup these savings, if they do at all.


    You're a glass half empty kind of a guy eh?
  • 3
    palladin9479 , November 8, 2011 12:33 PM
    Quote:
    It just means you don't know what mission critical is. Or what reliability means. Windows is a joke next to MVS, or z/OS as they call it. These processors can double check every single instruction to make sure they're correct. You can take processors out and add them at any given time, even if they fail, without bringing down the system or even noticing it. You can add more processors at peak times, when you need them. You can add specific types of processors for Java, Linux or whatever. Do that with your toy servers running Windows.

    Windows is fine for unimportant stuff, or when you don't care if the system goes down for 30 seconds, but when you need 100% accuracy, and incredible reliability, only a mainframe running a real operating system will do. That's not Windows.

    Do some research on mainframes, and see what you've been missing. They're light years ahead of these home machines you think are "mission-critical".



    I realize your just trolling like usual and trying to incite people. I happen to be a systems engineer who specializes in Solaris and SPARC, I'm fully aware of what mission critical means. I'm talking people's lives not just dollars. Do you even know what a C2 system is? Otherwise enjoy the taste of your soles.

    I'm not referring to home systems nor toy systems but multi-million dollar architectures which are part of multi-billion dollar programs.

    And for the record, I design the things your commenting on.
  • 3
    palladin9479 , November 8, 2011 8:12 AM
    Quote:
    I would consider Linux a server OS but Windows has too much of a monopoly on office tools to the point that its $600 per Office license or $60/user CAL for Exchange. Its competition (OpenOffice/LibreOffice/NeoOffice) is simply not good enough to complete. Besides using Java doesn't help at all with the interface. As soon as there is a suitable alternative for Office and Exchange, Windows will lose its grip on the server market.


    This is the way of business. What you just said is that MS currently has the best product and even if their pricing is high (get bulk / site licenses if your user load is that big) companies still find their products to be desirable. The free alternatives are not quite to the standards that business's desire for their office automation. And honestly as long as "free" products are being developed "by committee" then they'll never be to the same level as a dedicated paid development staff will produce. I use OpenOffice at my house even though I'm eligible to get a legal version off Office via my company. Saying that I can see why companies desire to use the paid version of Office.
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