Virtualization on System z

Virtualization for Linux, z/OS and z/VSE

Virtualization on System z means:

Massive scalability of workloads on a single System z system

  • Capable of running up to thousands of virtual servers on a single System z server
  • Linux workload hosting side-by-side to z/OS and z/VSE with fast and secure connectivity
  • Ideal platform to economically consolidate a wide range of workload types

Virtualize everything with very high levels of utilization

  • Processors, memory, network, I/O, cryptographic features, disk resources, coupling facility
  • Utilization rates of up to 100%
  • Provides non-disruptively adding and removing of physical resources
  • Allows significant over commitment of real resources – “doing more with less”

Flexible operations

  • During spikes in demand, quickly scale up and/or out
  • Dynamically redistribution of system resources to where they are needed
  • Improved efficiency of IT staff, allowing to quickly provision and manage more virtual servers

Enhanced qualities of service for everything

  • Highest security classification for LPAR technology
  • Designed to run memory-rich and I/O-intensive (disk and network) workloads with data integrity
  • Extensive suite of built-in tools and utilities for debug, problem determination, and system automation
  • Design for core competencies in business continuity, systems management, autonomic functionalities and security

Opportunities for Cost Savings

  • Reduced software licenses and support costs
    • Running software on fewer processors can result in fewer licenses and support costs.
  • Reduced operational and maintenance efforts
    • The centralized management and autonomic computing capabilities can help reduce the errors and minimize workload-balancing tasks that otherwise can consume IT staff hours.
  • Reduced floor space and energy consumption
    • Fewer servers and networks can require less floor space and can mean savings in acquisition costs, heating, air conditioning and electricity costs.
  • Reduced application outages and reduced business continuity costs
    • The suite of the System z built-in features can rapidly respond to, or even anticipate, threats to system health, helping to prevent costly system downtime. As well, multiple disaster recovery solutions are available, such as copying volumes or mirroring disk volumes within one site or between two sites.

Contact IBM

Browse System z

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Hardware

IBM provides world-class IBM mainframe technology to help today's enterprises respond quickly to evolving business conditions and with extreme flexibility. From automation to advanced virtualization technologies and open industry standards, IBM mainframes help deliver competitive advantages for enterprises contributing and succeeding on a smarter planet.

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Operating Systems

IBM System z supports multiple operation systems:

Through its hybrid computing capability, IBM zEnterprise with IBM zEnterprise BladeCenter® Extension (zBX) also supports IBM® AIX® on Power, Microsoft Windows® and Linux® on System x®

See all operating systems

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Solutions

IBM's technology, solutions and industry expertise can help you find the competitive edge with a sharper understanding of your customers. Our System z solutions combine the foundation of IBM hardware, software and middleware with flexible financing and packaging options to help your business meet and overcome the challenges of doing business in the on demand world. IBM can help you develop a customer-centric view—and assist you in delivering the right solution and the right products.

The new zEnterprise

  • The secure cloud for data, enabling enterprises to improve service to their customers

Meet the IBM zEnterprise EC12

z/VM and IBM System z

z/VM V6 Reference Guide (323KB)

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