News

IBM Unveils New Mainframe for Secure, Hybrid Cloud Computing

• By David Ramel
• 02/17/2016

IBM yesterday announced a new mainframe called the z13s that's optimized for security in hybrid cloud environments.

The z13s has security baked into the hardware, speeding up encryption so security is enhanced without a performance hit, the company said. The company said it provides all the capabilities of its z13 mainframe, but in a smaller package.

Highlights listed by IBM for the new z13s include:

• Exceptional scale in a single frame footprint.
• Next generation "network-in-a-box" technology Shared Memory Communications – Direct Access Method.
• More memory, cache enhancements, and improved I/O bandwidth to serve up more data to support exponential mobile transaction volumes.
• Real time insights at the point of impact with integrated analytics and transaction processing.
• Simplified appliance implementation with z Appliance Container Infrastructure.
• Data and services securely delivered, with reduced risk.
• Enabled for open source innovation.

"Fast and secure transaction processing is core to the IBM mainframe, helping clients grow their digital business in a hybrid cloud environment," said company exec Tom Rosamilia in a statement. "With the new IBM z13s, clients no longer have to choose between security and performance. This speed of secure transactions, coupled with new analytics technology helping to detect malicious activity and integrated IBM Security offerings, will help mid-sized clients grow their organization with peace of mind."

Along with the new mainframe, IBM is offering to all z Systems owners a new Cyber Security Analytics service, designed to help users identify malicious activity by monitoring and learning the behavior of users over time.