IBM is targeting HP and Sun customers with an integrated set of
software and hardware to run business software, data warehouse and
Linux applications for its Z-series mainframe.
The mainframe has traditionally been regarded as an expensive
option for running new business applications compared to lower
cost Unix and Windows-based systems from HP and Sun. This has led
many businesses either to migrate and decommission older
mainframes, or maintain legacy line of mainframe business
applications. However, IBM has aggressively pushed a
Linux option for the Z series, which enables mainframes to run
Linux applications.
Users of the Z-series can now purchase seven integrated
hardware, software and services packages designed to help them
deploy new enterprise workloads, such as data warehousing,
electronic payments, service orientated architecture and disaster
recovery.
IBM has also expanded its existing SAP product, which it says
now provides near-continuous availability and data protection with
DB2 for z/OS databases on System z.
An entry-level System z server starts at US $100,000.
