IBM System z9
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Predecessor | IBM eServer zSeries |
| Founded | September 16, 2005 |
| Founder | IBM |
| Fate | Replaced by IBM System z10 |
| Successor | IBM System z10 |
| Headquarters | Armonk , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Mainframe computers (Enterprise Class and Business Class models) |
| Owner | IBM |
| Parent | IBM |
| Website | www |
IBM System z9 represents a series of IBM mainframe computers introduced on September 16, 2005. This release marked the conclusion of the earlier eServer zSeries naming system and was notably the final mainframe utilized by NASA.
Background
The System z9 operates on the z/Architecture, a 64-bit architecture that supersedes the previous 31-bit-addressing/32-bit-data ESA/390 architecture while retaining full backward compatibility with it as well as with older 24-bit-addressing/32-bit-data System/360 systems. This compatibility allows memory-intensive applications such as DB2 to surpass the former 31-bit memory constraints without necessitating modifications to existing software.
Naming revision
Following the launch of the System z9 Business Class server, IBM rebranded the original System z9 109 model as the System z9 Enterprise Class server. In IBM materials, these are abbreviated as z9 BC and z9 EC, respectively.
Key distinctions
Significant improvements compared to prior zSeries models include:
Support Element and HMC
The Support Element offers direct, low-level access to the mainframe hardware, bypassing both the Hardware Management Console (HMC) and the operating system. While earlier zSeries HMCs operated on a customized OS/2 platform, the System z9’s HMC transitioned to a Linux-based, web-enabled interface designed to resemble OS/2’s appearance for ease of user transition. This web-centric HMC supports both local and remote management via SSL-secured HTTP connections, consolidating console control and allowing flexible deployment within data centers. IBM engineered the HMC as a "closed platform," restricting software installations and eliminating command line access to improve security and system stability. It is protected by default with a firewall that limits open ports necessary for remote connectivity.
Program Directed Re-IPL
Program Directed Re-IPL enables Linux environments running on System z9 within an LPAR to reboot autonomously without requiring operator action. This is achieved by having the System z9 retain device and load parameters from the initial IPL process.
DB2 and VSAM advancements
Storage formats including DB2, VSAM, and others benefit from enhanced I/O throughput through the System z9's MIDAW functionality. Additionally, the System z9 introduces a specialized processor designed to accelerate certain DB2 operations. MIDAWs build upon existing Indirect Data Address Word (IDAW) channel programming by improving FICON channel efficiency; they allow ECKD channel programs to access multiple storage locations with a single command. This reduces channel signaling overhead, particularly benefiting Extended Format data sets such as Sequential files, VSAM, and select DB2 tablespaces. These data set types provide improved performance, hardware-assisted data compression, and support for scalability beyond 4 GiB.
Java enhancements
Java versions 1.4 and higher operate in both 32-bit and 64-bit modes on the z9 platform. The System z9 incorporates the zAAP, which offloads most Java workloads from general-purpose processors. Java processing executed on zAAP does not contribute to the z9’s rated capacity, thereby reducing total cost of ownership by avoiding additional software licensing fees associated with increased hardware capacity. The presence of zAAP enhances integration between Java-based web applications and core z/OS backend databases, improving overall performance, reliability, and security.
Cryptography
The System z9 incorporates dedicated hardware for 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), alongside improved random number generation and enhanced SHA capabilities. This encryption-specific hardware allows the System z9 to surpass the performance of systems that depend exclusively on software-based encryption methods.
LPARs
Supporting up to 60 LPARs, the System z9 doubles the maximum number of logical partitions compared to its predecessor, which supported only 30.
Expanded memory capacity
Memory capacity in the System z9 has been increased substantially, with the z9 EC model supporting up to 512 GB and the z9 BC accommodating up to 64 GB—both doubling the limits set by earlier models.
Concurrent system board replacement
The System z9 facilitates online replacement of processors and memory modules, enabling technicians to exchange complete system boards without interrupting running applications or requiring operating system restarts. Most setups retain full operational performance and capacity throughout this procedure.
4 Gbit FICON and FCP support
In May 2006, IBM enhanced the System z9 by adding support for 4 Gigabit FICON and FCP, accelerating storage input/output operations. Additionally, a cost-efficient 2-port 4 Gbit FICON/FCP I/O adapter was introduced.
Gradual subcapacity adjustments
Also launched in May 2006, fine-grained subcapacity options on high-end models allow customers to manage software expenses more precisely by paying solely for the capacity they require, avoiding sudden cost increases. This feature complements IBM's variable subcapacity pricing strategy for software, which began in 2000.
Group capacity limits
Starting with z/OS Release 8, Group Capacity Limits enable administrators to define sets of LPARs within a single z9 or z10 system whose CPU consumption is restricted in MSUs based on a rolling four-hour average. These groups may include LPARs both inside and outside a sysplex environment and do not need to correspond with LPAR Clusters.
Distinct processor pools
Unlike earlier mainframe designs where specialty processors were combined into a single pool (Pool 2), the System z9 EC introduced separate pools for various processor types, simplifying both management and performance tracking. The designated pools are:
- Pool 1: General-purpose processors
- Pool 3: Integrated Facility for Linux (IFLs)
- Pool 4: System z Application Assist Processors (zAAPs)
- Pool 5: Integrated Coupling Facilities (ICFs)
- Pool 6: [Reserved]
The previous Pool 2 has been eliminated.
Additional processor classifications include Service Assist Processors (dedicated to I/O tasks), Spare processors (reserved for fault tolerance), and Unpurchased processors (available for future acquisition and characterization).
Models
| IBM System z9 product family | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||
| Mainframes | ||||||
| Dual-rack | zSeries z990 | z9 S08 | z10 EC | |||
| z9 S18 | ||||||
| z9 S28 | ||||||
| z9 S38 | ||||||
| z9 S54 | ||||||
| Single-rack | zSeries z890 | z9 S07 | z10 BC | |||
| z9 R07 | ||||||
Enterprise Class
Previously identified as the System z9 109, the System z9 Enterprise Class (EC) served as IBM's flagship mainframe until the introduction of the IBM System z10. The highest-end model, designated 2094-S54, delivers nearly twice the transactional throughput compared to its predecessor, the zSeries z990 (2084-332). It supports up to 54 central processors, multiple specialty processors including at least two spares, and a maximum memory capacity of 512 GB. The minimum memory configuration starts at 16 GB.
The System z9 EC lineup consists of five hardware variants:
- 2094-S08
- 2094-S18
- 2094-S28
- 2094-S38
- 2094-S54
Business Class
Unveiled on April 27, 2006, the System z9 Business Class (BC) replaced the zSeries z890 as a midrange platform offering reduced acquisition expenses alongside performance improvements up to twofold. Deliveries commenced on May 26, 2006. The z9 BC accommodates as many as seven central processors and multiple specialty processors such as IFLs, zAAPs, and zIIPs, ensuring a minimum of three specialty engines remain available even when all CPs are active. Its memory capacity extends from 8 GB up to 64 GB. IBM provides upgrade kits enabling current z800 and z890 customers to migrate to the z9 BC, with additional options to advance to the z9 EC.
Two hardware variants exist for the System z9 BC:
- 2096-R07
- 2096-S07
Across seven hardware configurations, numerous software models are supported: from 2094-401 through 2094-754 for Enterprise Class systems and from 2096-A01 to 2096-Z04 for Business Class systems, which also include models exclusive to IFL processors.
Pricing
The price spectrum for the System z9 ranges roughly from $100,000 for the 2006 model 2096-A01 up to several million dollars for the top-tier 2094-S54. These figures pertain to new system purchases; costs for upgrades from earlier models are typically lower. For perspective, the original zSeries z890 was launched at nearly twice the cost of the System z9 BC.
Successor machine
IBM introduced the IBM System z10 Enterprise Class in February 2008, followed later that year by the z10 Business Class (BC). The z10 brought in quad-core processor technology, supporting up to 64 CPUs, and delivered marked enhancements in power efficiency, physical footprint, and throughput compared to the z9.
References
| eServer zSeriesTemplate:Br2000 | System z9Template:Br2005 | System z10Template:Br2008 |