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IBM announces new servers specifically for Linux

Summary

In January 2002 IBM announced two servers designed specifically for Linux, including a mainframe developed in Böblingen that runs only Linux. For the first time it was not to require knowledge of classic mainframe operating systems such as z/OS. With z/VM virtualisation it was to replace between 20 and several hundred Unix or Intel servers.

Ideas

  • Linux was meant to open up mainframes to new groups of customers.
  • Virtualisation consolidates many small servers onto one large machine.
  • Not needing z/OS knowledge lowered the barrier to entry.
  • The eServer iSeries for Linux was to combine up to 15 servers of small companies.

Insights

  • Server consolidation through virtualisation was already a business model in 2002, long before the virtualisation boom on x86.
  • Linux became the common denominator from small servers to mainframes.

Facts

  • The Linux mainframe was developed in IBM’s Böblingen laboratory.
  • The z/VM virtualisation software was included.

References

Critique

  • The promised savings come from IBM and are not backed up by customer examples.

Recommendations

  • In consolidation projects, calculate licence, energy and personnel costs together.
  • Check whether applications are available on the target architecture, such as s390x.

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