IBM eServer zSeries 900 Technical Guide

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2002 1

Chapter 1. zSeries 900 overview

This chapter gives a high-level view of the IBM ^ zSeries 900 family of servers (z900).

All the topics mentioned in this chapter are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this book.

IBM has expanded the S/390 Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) server

family with the introduction of the z900. The S/390 9672 Generation 5 and 6 servers are

upgradable to the z900. The z900 servers represent a new generation of Central Processor

Complexes (CPCs) that feature enhanced performance, support for Linux, enhanced Parallel

Sysplex features, additional hardware management controls, and enhanced functions to

address e-business processing. The z900 introduces an enterprise class e-business server

optimized for integration, data, and transactions in the modern e-business world. With the

z900 architecture and its outstanding technology, the z900 models are designed to facilitate

IT Business Transformation and relieve the stress of business-to-business and

business-to-customer growth pressure.

The z900 processor enhances performance by exploiting the z/Architecture and technology

through many design enhancements. The z900 has up to 20 processors, from one-way to

16-way servers, in a symmetrical processing complex.

The z900 servers were initially introduced in 2000 and the information covered in this book

includes the 2001 and 2002 enhancements.

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