Growing demand for Linux on mainframes

Big companies are increasing how much they spend on putting Linux software on mainframes, according to a global study.

Following interviews with 100 IT executives at companies with at least $2bn turnover, the research from CA revealed that largecompanies see Linux on the mainframe as a good way to get more value out of IT while reducing costs.

Mainframes are licensed by IBM in a way that makesrunning Linux low cost. Businesses can get more out of existing mainframe systems by doing this. Linux on the mainframe is charged on a usage basis.

A total of 93 of respondents said their use of IBM's Integrated Facility for Linux (IFL) processor would increase or at least remain steady over the next two years. Another 42said their use of the IFL would grow between 21% and 40%, and 10said it would grow more than 76%.

Respondents said the reasons for using Linux were to take advantage of computing capacity available on their mainframe's central processors and/or IFLs, and the fact that using Linux on the mainframe would be more cost-effective than other platforms.

They were also using Linux as part of green IT and consolidation strategies. "This study shows that customers are very much aware of the unique value that Linux offers on the mainframe and that the mainframe remains an ongoing focus for IT investment," said Michael Zinda, senior vice-president in CA's mainframe business unit.

Clive Longbottom, analyst at Quocirca, said Linux on the mainframe is a valid alternative."IBM has put a lot of money into making it work and work well."

He saidmainframes and Linux enable companies to provide users with dedicated computing environments without the need for a dedicated server. "For companies that want to provide staff with a virtualised image it is a good way to go."