IBM Introduces New System z10 Business Class Mainframe

IBM has said to introduce a new mainframe -- System z10 Business Class (z10 BC) -- to help mid-sized companies and customers in emerging markets jumpstart new application development efforts, consolidate IT server sprawl, and give qualified organisations a 'pay-as-you-grow' financial platform to build the mainframe as the foundation of their new enterprise data centre.
Additionally, IBM Global Financing is now offering 'Why Wait' -- a no-interest, no-payments programme for 90 days deferral to support qualified customers acquiring the new z10 BC now through the end of 2008.

"Clients are continuing to invest in mainframe technology, as evidenced in IBM's Q308 earnings, as revenues for IBM System z mainframe server products increased 25 per cent compared with the year-ago period, with double-digit growth in all geographies," said Shashi B Mal, director, systems and technology group, IBM India/South Asia. "Now with the introduction of our new z10 business class mainframe, clients have an incredibly efficient consolidation platform that is smart, cool, and very affordable. There's no comparison when you consider the legendary reliability and security of System z."

IBM z10 BC provides mid-sized clients with all the unique attributes of an IBM mainframe. For example, companies in emerging markets or in hot industries can now afford IBM's mainframe technology for under $100,000, says the company.

For customers seeking server consolidation options to cut costs, the IBM z10 BC delivers the capacity of up to 232 x86 servers, with 83 per cent smaller footprint, up to 93 per cent lower energy costs, and a higher level of security, control and automation.

The IBM z10 BC also offers processors known as 'specialty engines' that expand the use of the mainframe for popular SAP, Linux, Java applications, among others. From a performance standpoint, the IBM z10 BC, according to the company, is nearly 40 per cent faster, has over 50 per cent more total capacity and nearly four times the maximum memory compared to its predecessor, the IBM z9 BC. IBM z10 BC can support an incremental 1,000 e-mail users with the energy of a 100 watt light bulb.