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IBM System z servers are supported by a multitude of operating systems, such as z/OS, z/OS.e, z/VSE, TPF, Linux on System z and the z/VM hypervisor. Visit the links below to learn more about them.

Featured topics

Previewing z/VM Version 6 Release 1
IBM announced a preview of z/VM Version 6 Release 1 (V6.1), the newest version of z/VM that is intended to be the base for all future z/VM enhancements and requires a new architectural level available only on IBM System z10 servers or later. z/VM V6.1 is also designed to offer Guest LAN and Virtual Switch (VSWITCH) exploitation of the System z10 cache prefetch capabilities, closer integration with IBM Systems Director, inclusion of post-z/VM V5.4 enhancements, and statements of direction* for z/VM Single System Image and Live Guest Relocation. More specific details regarding z/VM V6.1 will be forthcoming in the fourth quarter of 2009. *All statements regarding IBM's plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice.

Virtualization technology leadership with z/VM Version 5 Release 4
IBM extended its virtualization technology leadership with the availability of z/VM Version 5.4 in September, 2008. The release enables clients to exploit new capabilities of the System z10 platform. It also enables them to grow z/OS and Linux workloads by dynamically adding memory and CPUs, which helps reduce outages.

Previewing z/OS Version 1 Release 11
This latest release not only builds on time-tested technologies, but introduces new-to-the-industry dynamic capabilities. Functions such as predictive failure analysis, identity propagation, and responsive networking can help deliver improved service, reduced risk, and enhanced flexibility, all of which can ultimately help you reduce costs and drive profit

Free trial: z/VM Version 5.3 Evaluation Edition now available
IBM has made available zVM 5.3 Evaluation Edition, a free trial version of z/VM 5.3 that is intended to provide all IBM System z10 Enterprise Class customers the opportunity to evaluate z/VM. This no-charge license allows new z/VM customers to familiarize themselves with z/VM virtualization technology on the System z10 EC. The z/VM Evaluation Edition can be used for proofs-of-concept as well as to evaluate its effectiveness and robustness as well as all the capabilities of z/VM.

Announcing z/VSE innovations

z/VSE V4.2 addresses the needs of VSE clients with growing workloads. The release empowers innovative clients adding new Linux applications to the same IBM System z10 and z9 mainframe that also runs their production z/VSE applications.

Operating systems for IBM mainframes

Now more than ever IBM System z® and z/OS® are the right choice for your infrastructure and workload needs. The epitome of investment protection, z/OS goes to great lengths to keep applications and data available, system resources secure, server utilization high, and programming environments adaptable while maintaining compatibility for existing applications. You have neither the time nor the resource to spend on "throw away" solutions, "rip and replace" systems, or yet another technology trend. The smart, adaptive technologies of z/OS can provide a secure, resilient, and Dynamic Infrastructure that integrates business needs and IT capabilities. Work smarter with z/OS.



Linux on System z Linux on System z combines the advantages of the IBM mainframes with the flexibility and open standards of the Linux operating systems. Linux can play a major role in the simplification of the IT infrastructure—not only because it helps simplify business integration through the use of open and industry standards, but also because it supports deployment of new solutions more quickly and accelerates time to market.



z/VM The z/VM hypervisor is designed to help clients extend the business value of mainframe technology across the enterprise by integrating applications and data while providing exceptional levels of availability, security, and operational ease. z/VM virtualization technology is designed to allow the capability for clients to run hundreds to thousands of Linux servers on a single mainframe running with other System z operating systems, such as z/OS®, It also enables System z to be used as a large-scale Linux-only enterprise server solution using z/VM's proven capabilities to provide the Linux guests with the mainframe's powerful resources. z/VM Version 5.4 can also help to enhance productivity by hosting non-Linux workloads running on other operating systems, such as z/OS, z/VSE™ and z/TPF.



TPF TPF remains the "high volume transaction processing" (HVTP) platform of choice for many of IBM's largest customers for many years. These customers cover several industries, including airlines, lodging, finance, health, and travel.



z/VSE z/VSE, the follow-on product for customers with VSE/ESA installed, is designed to exploit selected IBM System z and IBM Systems Storage technology and help address the needs of VSE clients. z/VSE continues the focus on interoperability. Learn more about the z/VSE V4.1, z/Architecture, new pricing metric and encryption enhancement.