Technology enabling IBM zEnterprise System users to integrate Microsoft Windows applications into the mainframe environment-an industry first-will become available from IBM on December 16th. With this new capability, end users with multi-tier applications-for example, Windows applications connected to mainframe data-can be integrated and consolidated on the same system. By bringing Windows and the mainframe together, IBM is helping clients to innovate more freely in multiple environments across z/OS, Linux, AIX and now Windows.
Specifically, the new technology provides centralized management, which offers a variety of money-saving benefits, such as faster and automated access to computing resources, reduced administration and lower training costs. The new capability of consolidating and centralizing management of Windows applications on x86-based IBM System x servers will be available for either of the zEnterprise systems-the z196 or z114.
Through a hybrid computing approach that IBM has pioneered with the introduction of the zEnterprise System in July 2010, select IBM System x blades and System x applications can be installed in a zEnterprise, with integration and management of blades and applications handled by the zEnterprise Unified Resource Manager via a single console.
The hybrid capability already had been available for managing IBM Power-based workloads with operating system support for AIX and System x-based workloads with Linux as well as a business analytics solution and a multi-functional appliance for System z (IBM Websphere DataPower XI50 for zEnterprise). With these capabilities, the zEnterprise System is enabling a "system of systems" approach that allows disparate workloads spread across multiple systems to be managed as a single environment.
With this latest announcement, clients can now run z/OS and Linux on System z along with IBM AIX, x86 Linux and Microsoft Windows on the zEnterprise System. These options offer a more integrated multi-platform system that combines the best of IBM's server technology.
For more information, visit www.ibm.com/systems/z.