Virtualization and consolidation with
System z

Why IBM System z for virtualization and consolidation

IBM System z virtualization technology can help you consolidate and simplify your IT infrastructure, improve energy efficiency and reduce overall costs. Core competencies like virtualization, business continuity, advanced systems management, autonomic functionalities and the ability to process secure transactions continue to set the System z platform apart.

Manage multiple virtual servers from a single point of control
Through System z virtualization technology, rapid server deployment and provisioning can help enable new virtual servers in real time, providing support for multiple diverse workloads in a protected and isolated environment. Manage tens to hundreds, even thousands, of virtual servers from a single point of control.

Easily scale up and/or out
During spikes in demand, the IBM System z is able to quickly redistribute system resources and scale up and/or out. A single System z mainframe can scale up to millions of transactions per day or scale out to manage tens to hundreds of virtual servers and dynamically redistribute system resources to where they are needed.

Go green and save
System z typically requires substantially less power, capacity, cooling, and floor space than distributed server farms with equivalent processing capacity, allowing you to go green and save. With its ability to virtualize hardware and software and realize utilization rates of up to 100%, System z provides an ideal platform to economically consolidate a wide range of workload types.

System z virtualization and consolidation solutions building blocks

From simple multitasking to logical partitions to complete simulation of virtual hardware and operating environments, the virtualization capabilities of the IBM mainframe and System Storage continue to represent some of the most mature and sophisticated in the industry today.

Mainframe virtualization
With mainframe virtualization, create multiple virtual servers and consolidate a wide range of workloads on a single physical server. Streamline the management of your computing environment and reduce maintenance and support costs by simplifying your infrastructure.

Storage virtualization
With IBM Systems Storage virtualization solutions, you can reduce the complexity of managing your storage environments by centralizing, simplifying and automating storage tasks associated with storage systems, storage networks, replication services and capacity management. Our storage solutions are designed to help you take advantage of instantaneous data access, any time, from anywhere.

Virtualization services
IBM Global Services provides planning and design as well as implementation and migration services to help you optimize the utilization of resources within your company's IT infrastructure. If you are looking to improve systems management and contain IT, IBM Global Services can help.

Find out how other companies are benefiting from virtualization on System z

Macro 4 boosts speed-to-market with IBM System z9 Business Class

By implementing an IBM System z9 Business Class server with zAAP, zIIP and IFL engines, Macro 4 has improved its ability to run multiple independent virtual server environments simultaneously.

Erie 1 BOCES builds a powerful portal with IBM WebSphere, System z and Linux

"With WebSphere on the System z platform, Erie 1 BOCES has a highly automated, scalable and cost-effective solution which can support growth and promote development, providing a higher level of service to our customers," states Carol Troskosky, CIO, Erie 1 BOCES.