IBM unveils new mainframe, zEnterprise 196

Bangalore: IBM has come up with what it claims to be the most powerful mainframe computer ever, the zEnterprise 196. IBM also asserts that the zEnterprise 196 will be more cost effective as compared to previous generation computers. The price of the product has not been disclosed. Mainframes are powerful computers used mainly by large organizations for critical applications, typically bulk data processing. The zEnterprise 196 system includes a new quad core processor and other new technologies. It unites Power7 and x64 blades into a hybrid computing platform. The core server runs at 5.2 GHz, which renders the zEnterprise capable of executing more than 50 billion instructions per second. The launch of the new mainframe comes at a time when IBM is seeking to secure its leadership in the mainframes' market, with rivals HP and Oracle aggressively pitching for the pie's share. The zEnterprise is 40 to 60 percent faster than its predecessor, System z10, according to IBM. However, it consumes the same amount of electricity. A total of $1.5 billion was spent on the R&D of the mainframe across the time span of four years and involving 5,000 employees. IBM also said that the new mainframes can be incorporated with other IBM servers using IBM's blade products and software.