IBM is continuously innovating to deliver more flexibility, functionality, and operational efficiency for System Z users. Recently IBM announced the launch of their new IBM z17 and LinuxONE 5 configurations, which enable single-frame and rack-mount deployment options. 

With the new single stack system for z17 and LinuxONE, IBM mainframe users have more ways to design their infrastructure to align with their business needs while benefitting from the same performance and security levels.  

Some of the benefits of the newly available compact configurations for IBM z17 and LinuxONE 5 include easier deployment and integration, co-location flexibility, simplified operations, greater scalability, and strengthened security. 

What are the New Compact IBM z17 and LinuxONE Systems?

IBM is offering four new options for consolidating IBM z17 and LinuxONE deployments.

IBM z17 Single Frame

This fully package solution is delivered as a complete, enclosed, ready-to-deploy solution with an IBM rack and intelligent power distribution units (iPDUs) and the option to co-locate other technologies within the frame.

IBM z17 Rack Mount

This system allows users to install IBM System Z components into their own industry-standard rack and co-locate with other technologies.

IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper 5

This scalable, multi-drawer LinuxONE system is available in single-frame and rack-mount configurations and is designed for high-density workloads with on-chip AI acceleration, confidential computing, and post-quantum cryptography.

IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper 5 Rack Mount and Express Offerings

This compact 18U configuration provides enterprise-level Linux, confidential computing and on-chip AI acceleration in a cost-efficient form that can scale.

Deployment Flexibility

Companies that process sensitive, data-intensive workloads at scale are facing a data center crisis. They are running out of real estate and facing increasing costs for renting and maintaining data centers.

The new IBM z17 single-frame and rack-mount configuration options consolidate mainframe infrastructure to reduce the data center footprint while still delivering optimum performance. Users gain flexibility to co-locate IBM and non-IBM equipment for the ideal installation in their data center. Each system helps companies recover space, increase energy efficiency, and integrate into existing environments.

How is IBM z17 Rack Mount Different?

Unlike multi-frame z17, IBM z17 rack mount lets users install core IBM Z components directly into industry-standard 19-inch rack instead of relying on a dedicated IBM packaged enclosure. Now companies can co-locate mainframe components alongside standard x86 servers. The rack-mount variant is much more compact, packing up to 82 processor cores and 18 TB of memory across 2 processor drawers, making it ideal for environments with space and power restrictions.

IBM z17 and LinuxONE: Better Together

These new compact configurations enable companies to bring together the benefits of IBM z17 at LinuxONE. Z17 delivers increases in core performance and memory capacity, as well as AI capabilities. IBM z17 was designed to support transactional, generative, and agentic AI.

When combined with LinuxONE Rockhopper, z17 users gain additional potential for consolidation for an even more cost-effective and scalable approach to building a high-performing technology environment.

Strengthening Mainframe Security

IBM z17 Single Frame and IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper 5 deliver enterprise-level security for mainframe users. With AI platforms able to uncover and exploit vulnerabilities, IBM z17 single frame and LinuxONE Rockhopper work together to overcome the challenges of an AI-driven threat landscape and help companies meet the requirements of the post-quantum era.

IBM z17 single frame helps companies protect critical data and simplify security operations using multiple tactics. zSecure Detection accelerates the processes of identifying and responding to threats by analyzing data usage and network traffic patterns. IBM Z Crypto Discovery and Inventory identifies vulnerable cryptography across IBM Z environments.

IBM Linux Rockhopper uses confidential computing to protect sensitive data when in use and promote verification over trust. The solution also supports simplified secrets and key management through identity-based access, encryption, and auditability to control secrets sprawl.

Scalability and Ease of Use to Support Business Growth

LinuxONE Rockhopper 5 helps companies accelerate innovation, scale, and gain control over operations. With LinuxONE Rockhopper 5, companies benefit from clear control without hidden mechanisms and predictable systems.

By building on opensource technologies, LinuxONE enables organizations to develop skills that are reusable across environments. Through LinuxONE Rockhopper, companies can empower teams to innovate while maintaining control across workflows. Automation, operations, and application designs can be reused and scaled to simplify innovation and speed time to value.

What the New Single Stack IBM z Systems Mean for Your Company

If your company is facing data center capacity and cost constraints, switching to one of the compact IBMz17 and LinuxONE configurations may be the right move. However, your organization needs to assess your business requirements, goals, and resources before deciding on an option.

As an expert in both IBM System Z and LinuxONE, PSR can work with your company to evaluate your current environment and determine which configuration is most appropriate. We can also assist with the deployment and system integration process. With our exclusive focus on mainframe services, PSR keeps companies like your current with the evolution of z17 solutions.

Get expert guidance in finding the right configuration for your IBMz17 and LinuxONE environment. Reach out to PSR today. 

Posted in

Categories