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Hardware - Integrated Facilities for LINUX (IFLs) |
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Integrated Facilities for LINUX (IFLs) |
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The Linux on the IBM mainframe System z9 and zSeries
environment is a good, relatively inexpensive choice
(an IFL has a one-off cost of around $125000) for high
transaction applications requiring a high level of security
and scalability. It can run on either z/OS or S/390
operating systems. The processing units, known as Integrated
Facilities for Linux (IFLs) can be added as required
to meet usage peaks and troughs.
The chief appeal is that it keeps you on your Z-Series
IBM mainframe, which be honest, is where you want to
be. Reliability, security and manageability are second
to none and now you get all the benefits of a centralized
virtual Linux open source "world" without a mess of
multiple servers. Harnessing the virtualization technologies
the mainframe is famous for and using Hipersockets for
superfast virtual TCP/IP is really worth considering
as an alternative to an ever more complex and "stressed"
server to server network. You can read here IBMs
IFL pitch .
Additional optional tools in the zLinux environment
such as IBM DIRECTOR and IBM Virtualization Engine Enterprise
Workload Manager are explained in this IBM
document.
WHY IS IT CHEAPER ?
1. IFLs are significantly less expensive than z/OS CPUs
on the same mainframe and the fee is one-off (around
$125000).
2. Your MSU rating and your zSeriesŪ model designation
are unchanged when running extra Linux applications
on IFLs, leaving you in the very pleasant position of
owing IBM no extra charges. 3. Centralising on the mainframe
rather than going for the traditional plethora of non-scalable
servers reduces software, labour, network hardware and
other costs. These costs savings can be significant
- do not be one of the many companies and organisations
that do no sufficiently take this into account. For
a closer look at the arguments that have blown up around
the cheapness of Linux on the mainframe read
MAINFRAME LINUX ON $2 A DAY by Mark Post.
READING
For a detailed look at why a strategic combination of
DB2 Connect and zLinux is a particularly strong proposition,
take a look at the article
by Paul C. Zikopoulos, BA, MBA. You will also find
here useful discussion of Hipersockets technology and
IBMs "On Demand" offering.
There is also detailed discussion of DB2 Connect on
Zseries here
.
For a history and quite detailed discussion of zLinux
and IFLs written in straightforward Engish you cannot
do much better than go to WIKIPEDIA at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_on_zSeries
And if you have taken the plunge and gone zLinux
there is an article (from 2003 but still relevant) from
computerworld
on the care needed in selecting which applications to
migrate over.
Again - from ComputerWorld is a good
article from Feb 2005 on the decision by First National
Bank of Omaha to go IBM zSeries/Linux.
Continue: IBMs On/Off
Capacity on Demand offering>>>
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