The IBM zEnterprise System, introduced last July is arguably the most significant new systems architecture in 20 years and took smarter computing and optimized systems to a whole new level. This revolutionary system introduced a new hybrid computing model capable of integrating and managing multiple (or today’s most prevalent) architectures in a single integrated system making it possible to begin collapsing individual islands of computing to reduce complexity, improve security, and bring business applications and workloads closer to the data they need. This hybrid environment allows clients to optimize workloads, deploy enterprise clouds, and take action based on real-time analytics and big data.

1. IBM System z
Introduction
July 2011
v1.7
IBM zEnterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
Worldwide
1

2. Table of Contents
Announcement Overview 3
z114 Hardware Overview 11
z196 Hardware 18
z196 and z114 Availability 23
zBX Hardware and associated features 25
POWER7 Blades for zBX 32
IBM System x blades for zBX 36
zBX Networking 40
zBX Availability 41
zBX and blade Warranty and Maintenance 43
zEnterprise Unified Resource Manager 45
Ensemble 50
IBM WebSphere DataPower Integration Appliance XI50 for zEnterprise (DataPower XI50z) 52
IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer 53
Hardware Management Console (HMC) 54
z196 & z114 Upgradeability 58
Water cooling option (z196 only) 60
Overhead Cabling 65
z196 & z114 General Physical Planning 66
z196 and z114 Power requirements (including High Voltage DC Power option) 67
z196 and z114 Hardware & Firmware Pricing 70
Software Pricing 73
z196 Performance 77
z114 Performance 81
Capacity on Demand offerings 85
zEnterprise I/O 92
zEnterprise Networking 98
IFL, zAAP and zIIP specialty engines 101
Security 102
Linux on System z and IBM System Storage 103
STP 105
Parallel Sysplex 107
GDPS 110
z/OS 111
z/VM 112
z/VSE 113
Statements of Direction 114
2

3. Announcement Overview
Question:
What did IBM announce on July 12th, 2011 for the IBM zEnterprise™ System?
Answer:
On July 12th 2011, IBM announced significant enhancements and extensions to the IBM zEnterprise
System that was initially rolled out just one year before.
The IBM zEnterprise System, introduced last July is arguably the most significant new systems
architecture in 20 years and took smarter computing and optimized systems to a whole new level.
This revolutionary system introduced a new hybrid computing model capable of integrating and
managing multiple (or today’s most prevalent) architectures in a single integrated system making it
possible to begin collapsing individual islands of computing to reduce complexity, improve security,
and bring business applications and workloads closer to the data they need. This hybrid environment
allows clients to optimize workloads, deploy enterprise clouds, and take action based on real-time
analytics and big data.
Highlights of this latest announcement include:
A new entry point for hybrid computing
We have rounded out the zEnterprise System family with the introduction of the newest entry-level
mainframe, the IBM zEnterprise 114 (z114). The z114 offers a lower hardware entry cost, extensive
growth options and significant improvements in packaging, performance and total system scalability
over its predecessor, the IBM System z10 Business Class™ (z10 BC™). It can be used as a standalone
development machine, a coupling facility or as an on ramp for any growing business looking to exploit
mainframe technologies. And, when combined with the IBM zEnterprise BladeCenter® Extension
(zBX) and Unified Resource Manager, the z114 extends the mainframe’s unique hybrid capabilities to
clients of all sizes.
Extending the scope of the hybrid computing model
We have extended the scope of the hybrid computing model and the zEnterprise BladeCenter
Extension (zBX) with the ability to integrate select HX5 IBM System x® blades running Linux®, and in
the future Microsoft® Windows®1, to open up the benefits of the hybrid model to a whole new set of
workloads. This continues to add to the options in zBX that were previously announced including
select IBM blades such as POWER7® blades running AIX®, and specialized workload optimizers such
as DataPower® XI50z and the IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer.
We also issued two important statements of direction with regard to the Unified Resource Manager.
The first is in the management area of Operational Controls. An enhancement will be available related
to the auto-discovery and configuration support for new resources. We can now auto detect the
installation of storage resources installed in support of blades and make them available to the User
Interface when doing workload resource configurations. Without this, users have to manually enter all
the storage resources. The second Statement of Direction is around delivery of APIs, or application
programming interfaces, to enable the integration, discovery, monitoring, and management of Unified
Resource Manager from external tools, (such as Tivoli® or CA); providing greater flexibility and choice
for companies to build this into their integrated service management model. These APIs will be open
and documented so they are available for clients to use if they’d like. Access will be by using common
scripting languages like Perl and Python.
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4. Enhancements to the zEnterprise server technology at its core
A number of additional enhancements for the zEnterprise have been made which strengthen existing
capabilities in areas such as I/O performance, clustering and security. These new enhancements
apply to both the existing IBM zEnterprise 196 (z196) as well as the new z114.
In the area of connectivity, we have revamped the I/O subsystem to be PCIe-based (Peripheral
Component Inter-connect Express), supporting the industry standards and direction for high
performance I/O facilitating increased capacity, port granularity, infrastructure bandwidth, and
reliability. The new PCIe I/O drawer provides an 8 GBps host bus for performance and increased
granularity. zHPF and the new FICON-Express8S cards offers huge performance boost on zHPF
enabled storage devices, and the new OSA-Express4S offers more granularity.
In the area of security, we delivered multiple cryptography improvements through TKE (Trusted Key
Entry) and updates to various industry cryptographic standards and Crypto Express3 has been
enhanced to support key ANSI and ISO standards for the banking and finance industry.
In the area of clustering, new Hub cards offer increased coupling performance for 12x InfiniBand® (for
short distance) providing a 40% improvement in latency and 1x Infiniband (for long distance) and more
connectivity for 1x InfiniBand (long distance asynchronous card) with a 4 port card to facilitate the
further consolidation of ISC3 links into the Infiniband technology. And finally are using STP as the time
source for the entire zEnterprise. So the processor itself now becomes the NTP server for the zBX.
Summary
The mainframe continues to evolve while holding true to our core strengths of the platform. The
zEnterprise is driving new relevance and expanding its role to support smarter computing. These
ongoing enhancements with the zEnterprise System demonstrate our steadfast commitment to
continuously deliver innovation and value for our clients.
1 All statements regarding IBM future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without
notice, and represents goals and objectives only
Question:
What did IBM announce on April 12, 2011 for IBM System z®?
Answer:
In Hardware Announcement 110-177, "IBM zEnterprise BladeCenter Extension (zBX)" dated July 22,
2010, IBM introduced a new dimension in computing with the announcement of the IBM zEnterprise
Server (zEnterprise). This first in the industry offering makes it possible to deploy an integrated
hardware platform that brings mainframe and distributed technologies together - a system that can
start to replace individual islands of computing and can work to reduce complexity, lower costs,
improve security, and bring applications closer to the data they need.
As part of that announcement we provided a road map for IBM's hybrid capabilities, the delivery of
special-purpose workload optimizers and select general-purpose IBM blades. In 2010 we began to
deliver, first with our business analytics solution - IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer and then
general-purpose POWER7 blades. In February 2011 we continued with the announcement of the IBM
WebSphere® DataPower XI50 for zEnterprise (DataPower XI50z), a multifunctional appliance for the
System z environment that can be implemented to help provide XML hardware acceleration, and to
streamline and secure valuable service-oriented architecture (SOA) applications.
The next step of the road map is to incorporate select IBM System x technologies, originally targeted
for the first half of 2011. The reaction to delivering IBM System x capabilities has been very positive,
with our clients also asking that we support Microsoft Windows. Therefore, today we are revising our
road map to include planned support for Windows on System x as well as a revised schedule for IBM
System x blade delivery on the IBM zEnterprise Systems.
4

5. In the third quarter of 2011, IBM intends to offer select IBM System x blades running Linux on
System x in the IBM zEnterprise BladeCenter Extension Model 002 1 .
Question:
What did IBM announce on February 15, 2011 for IBM System z?
Answer:
On February 15th, IBM announced the IBM WebSphere DataPower Integration Appliance XI50 for IBM
zEnterprise (DataPower XI50z), delivering on our statement of direction in the July 22, 2010
zEnterprise System (zEnterprise) announcement. The DataPower XI50z appliance is a multifunctional
appliance that can help provide multiple levels of XML optimization, streamline and secure valuable
service-oriented architecture (SOA) applications, and provide drop-in integration for heterogeneous
environments by enabling core Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) functionality, including routing, bridging,
transformation, and event handling. It can help to simplify, govern, and enhance the network security
for XML and Web services.
When the DataPower XI50z is installed within the zEnterprise environment, zEnterprise Unified
Resource Manager will provide integrated management for the appliance to simplify control and
operations including change management, energy monitoring, problem detection, problem reporting,
and dispatching of an IBM System z Service Representative as needed.
Question:
What did IBM announce on July 22, 2010 for IBM System z?
Answer:
On July 22nd, IBM introduced the IBM zEnterprise System - a system that combines unprecedented
innovations to the gold standard of enterprise computing with new, built-in functions that extend many
of IBM's leading mainframe-like governance and qualities of service even further to specialized
application optimizers and select POWER7 and IBM System x 2 blade servers, to simplify operations
across all these application environments. IBM also introduced the IBM zEnterprise Unified Resource
Manager which dramatically simplifies operations across multiple application environments. The
Unified Resource Manager provides energy monitoring and management, goal-oriented policy
management, increased security, virtual networking, and information management, all consolidated
into a single easy-to-use interface firmly grounded in real-world business requirements. The IBM
zEnterprise System includes the z196, the Unified Resource Manager, the IBM zBX, and integrated
optimizers and/or IBM blades. IBM also announces strategic software and services innovations for the
IBM zEnterprise System that help many more customers solve critical problems that were impossible
or unaffordable to solve with any previous technologies, in areas such as business analytics and
insight, accelerating new business function delivery, auditing and risk reduction, and business process
optimization, among others.
1
System x blades on the zEnterprise were a Statement of Direction in July 2010. With the announcement on July 12, 2011 we are announcing support for
the System x blade within the zBX.
2
System x blades on the zEnterprise were a Statement of Direction in July 2010. With the announcement on July 12, 2011 we are announcing support for
the System x blade within the zBX.
5

6. Question:
What part does the IBM zEnterprise System play in a “Smarter Planet™”?
Answer:
Businesses and governments need smarter systems and software for enterprise computing and for
robust cloud environments. They must unify and optimize multiple systems to work as a single,
integrated service delivery platform to address real-world business problems in real time. They need
to scale without adding complexity to meet ever-growing demands on infrastructure. They need vastly
simplified data center management that slashes space, power, and cooling requirements to respect
both their budgets and our planet. They need to move well beyond business-as-usual to transform IT
into the leading catalyst for continuous business growth and innovation. And they must do all that
while improving service qualities: eliminating business interruptions for any reasons (including
software and application upgrades), preventing security breaches, assuring customer privacy, and
reducing enterprise risk.
With these accomplishments we can all live on a "Smarter Planet." In July 2010, System z introduced
the smartest technologies ever created that will help customers meet and exceed these challenges:
the new IBM zEnterprise System. The zEnterprise System is a “System of Systems,” integrating IBM’s
leading technologies to dramatically improve the productivity and quality of today’s multi-architecture
data centers and tomorrow’s clouds. The z196 is the world’s fastest and most scalable enterprise
system with unrivaled reliability, security, and manageability as well as the industry’s most efficient
platform for large-scale data center simplification and consolidation. The new z114, introduced in July
2011 offers a new design point, new packaging, more flexibility and granularity, and improved price
performance.
Question:
What are the three layers of management function in System z hardware, software and services
architecture?
Answer:
The new management functions IBM is introducing fit into three categories, or layers. Each layer
enhances the business value of workloads whether they are running in one or in some combination of
application environments. All the layers are transparent to the applications and do not require
application programming or other special action to exploit. The three layers are:
Hardware management – Capabilities designed to discover, configure, virtualize and manage the
basic system hardware and networking resources of multiple processor families from a single,
consistent point of control.
Platform management – Capabilities designed to manage the lifecycle and operational
characteristics of virtualized runtime environments in support of several application architectures,
driven by a workload context that is independent of the underlying architectures.
Service management – Capabilities designed to align the management of IT with business goals,
provide IT service management and automation, incorporate software and process management,
handle multi-site IT operations and multi-ensemble management scope.
6

7. Question:
Is IBM positioning the zEnterprise System replace all servers in the entire data center? Should I
consider moving all my applications that run on UNIX® to the zEnterprise?
Answer.
In most cases no, IBM is not yet quite that ambitious! There are different servers because the world
needs different servers. However, the zEnterprise System can indeed “replace” the end-to-end
infrastructure for a large collection of multi-environmental enterprise applications. Specifically,
enterprise customers with one or more applications that are currently running in a complex,
heterogeneous, multi-tiered environment now have the opportunity to upgrade that infrastructure with
zEnterprise and enjoy the management benefits that the Unified Resource Manager brings. The zBX
supports scores of blades running hundreds or even a thousand virtual servers, and the z196 delivers
unprecedented opportunities for enterprise simplification that build upon the well-known strengths of
System z.
Many of the largest data centers already have far more blades and/or rack-mounted servers in their
inventory than could realistically fit into the zBX. However, IBM expects that current System z
customers will (and should) start to bring particular end-to-end enterprise applications onto zEnterprise,
particularly those where there are affinities between the application components and System z-based
applications and information. Customers can then manage these end-to-end applications in common
ways and achieve higher service qualities and reduced costs. And with the new z114, IBM is targeting
new zEnterprise customers that may never have had System z in the past. They, too, will benefit from
zEnterprise's end-to-end application management as they move the application components
representing many whole business processes onto the zBX. For both new and existing customers,
zEnterprise represents a breakthrough in IT simplification and, combined with IBM's other server
offerings, the most potent and sophisticated data center consolidation and simplification portfolio in the
industry for even the world's largest data centers.
Question:
What kind of cloud computing options do I have with zEnterprise?
Answer:
IBM System z has provided superior levels of cloud infrastructure support for decades. This includes
extreme levels of resource sharing, sophisticated virtualization technology, rapid provisioning of virtual
servers and applications, the highest levels of application availability and efficient operational and
management support. With z/VM® and zEnterprise, customers can run virtual servers for less than $1
each day when hosting workloads that achieve high levels of consolidation and scale while enjoying
the other cost savings and service quality improvements. IBM Tivoli products including Tivoli
Provisioning Manager, Tivoli Service Automation Manager, and Tivoli OMEGAMON® XE on z/VM and
Linux provide even greater levels of automation, control, and service management, helping clients
increase the productivity of their staff and improve the quality of service offered by a zEnterprise cloud.
Also, hosting virtual Linux servers on zEnterprise IFLs is a very efficient and reliable way to leverage
the industry-leading application and information data serving capabilities of z/OS® within a cloud
infrastructure.
IBM offers the System z Solution Edition for Cloud Computing and the Smart Analytics Cloud for
System z. These zEnterprise offerings provide a very cost-attractive packaging of hardware, software,
and services to help customers deploy cloud infrastructures for general purpose virtual server hosting
and business intelligence respectively.
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8. The zEnterprise provides even greater flexibility for cloud computing than “one architecture fits all”
alternatives. The inclusion of Power® and IBM System x blades in a zEnterprise System allows
customers to optimize workload placement in order to more closely align IT spending with business
goals. The zEnterprise Unified Resource Manager helps IT staff integrate and manage a
multi-architecture environment at a platform level, enabling businesses to unlock the value of
workload-optimized systems without suffering the operational complexity that might be experienced in
a non-integrated environment.
Question:
Will the new zEnterprise System be supported for SAP solutions?
Answer:
Yes. SAP certifies the database and operating system versions, that means DB2® for z/OS, z/OS,
Linux on System z, AIX, etc. The certified versions are listed in the OS/DB Product Availability Matrix
for SAP NetWeaver® (PAM). This certification is valid for any IBM hardware, including the zEnterprise
System with the zEnterprise BladeCenter Extension (zBX) running with AIX.
Question:
What are the planned availability dates for the new IBM zEnterprise 114 (z114) and System x
hardware offerings?
Answer:
IBM plans to start shipping zEnterprise products according to the following schedule:
September 9, 2011
IBM zEnterprise 114 Models M05 and M10 new builds
MES orders for the following features:
IBM System z9® Business Class (z9 BC) 2096 and System z10 BC 2098 model conversions to
zEnterprise 114 Models M05 and M10
Field installed features and conversions that are delivered solely through a modification to the
machine's Licensed Internal Code (LIC).
Full Hardware Management Console (HMC) support for 9x driver
Full Trusted Key Encryption (TKE) support for 7.1 code
z114 entitlement features for POWER7, IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer, and DataPower blades on a
zBX
September 26, 2011
Manage suite (#0019) enhancements for z196
Automate / Advanced Management Firmware Suite (#0020) enhancements for z196
Manage Firmware System x Blade (#0042)
Advanced Management Firmware System x Blade (#0046)
IBM zEnterprise BladeCenter Extension support for select System x blades
8

9. October 21, 2011
Add a zBX as an MES to the installed z114
December 31, 2011
z114 MES orders for the following features:
M05 to M10 model conversions
Loose piece MESs
Question:
What operating system software releases are supported on the zEnterprise System?
Answer:
The following are the minimum levels of the operating systems planned to run on z196:
z/OS
– z/OS V1.9 (compatibility for toleration only)
– z/OS V1.10 3 or higher (for zEnterprise Unified Resource Manager ensemble support)
– z/OS V1.12 or higher (for full exploitation)
Linux on System z distributions:
4
– Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 110 or higher
– Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 5 or higher
z/VM
– z/VM V5.4 or higher
– z/VM V6.1 for Enterprise Unified Resource Manager ensemble support
z/VSE® 4.2 or higher
– IEND support: z/VSE 5.1 (when available)
– z/VSE 4.2, 4.3: IEDN access through z/VM VSWITCH (z/VM V6.1)V4.3 (for ensemble support)
z/TPF
– V1.1 or higher
On the zBX blades we support:
– AIX - AIX 5.3 Technology Level 12 or higher, AIX 6.1 Technology Level 5 or higher
– Linux on System x - Red Hat RHEL 5.5 and Novell SUSE SLES 11 SP1 64-bit only.
– Microsoft Windows - NOTE that this information is a statement of direction only. All statements
regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice,
and represent goals and objectives only. IBM’s intent is to support Microsoft Windows Server
2008 – Datacenter Edition on the HX5 7873 blades installed in the zBX, 64 bit version only. 5
3
z/OS 1.10 support ends Sept. 30, 2011, and Lifecycle Extension is required after that date
4
Note that SLES 9 SP4 + latest maintenance updates only is also supported but some functions have changed or are not available with the z196, e.g. the
Dual-port OSA cards support to name one of several. Please check with your service provider regarding the end of service.
5
All statements regarding IBM future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represents goals and objectives only
9

10. Question:
Will the zEnterprise System support IBM i® OS?
Answer:
No, IBM i OS is not supported at this time. IBM will initially support AIX, Linux on System x, Microsoft
Windows5, and optimizers installed in the zBX. Support for additional operating systems will be
evaluated over time based on demand from our clients and on various technical factors.
Question:
Where can I find the most up-to-date electronic version of this frequently asked questions list?
Answer:
Please visit: http://www.ibm.com/systems/z/faq/ to view any updates to this FAQ list and any additional
FAQ lists for other IBM system offerings.
10

11. z114 Hardware Overview
Question:
What is the relevance of the naming zEnterprise 114 or z114?
Answer:
zEnterprise, first generation, 14 processors.
Remembering back to how the z196 got its name, the z114 is no different. The 1 signaling this is the
first generation of zEnterprise branded hybrid server technology; and the 14 representing the 14
processors that power the system (10 of which are customer configurable).
Question:
What is new about the z114 processor chip?
Answer:
The z114 leverages the same microprocessor technology as the zEnterprise 196 (z196) but is tuned
and optimized for the processing requirements of the entry-level mainframe.
The core CPU design combines all the best qualities of the latest mainframe design philosophy with a
generous infusion of POWER7-inspired computational muscle, a reflection of the teamwork between
IBM's best processor designers.
The new microprocessor chip has a higher-frequency superscalar design, improved cache structure,
new “out of order” execution sequence and over 100 new hardware instructions that delivers
world-class per-thread performance for DB2, WebSphere and Linux workloads. For CPU intensive
workloads, additional gains of up to 25 percent can be achieved via multiple compiler level
improvements.1
The z114 is powered by up to 14 microprocessors running at 3.8 GHz and delivers up to 18 percent
improvement in performance per core compared to its predecessor, the z10 BC.
1 The z114 will exhibit up to 25% performance improvement, based on measurements and projections, for CPU intensive
workloads when accompanied by multiple C/C++ compiler level improvements going from XL C/C++ V1R9 to V1R12
Question:
What about the z114 makes it so adept for consolidation and infrastructure simplification?
Answer:
Today, most datacenters contain mainframe and distributed systems, running a diverse set of
workloads or industry applications. The zEnterprise 114 is designed to help address the complexity
and inefficiencies of these silo’ed IT infrastructures.
As businesses look to transform their IT infrastructures, many choose to start this journey by
addressing existing inefficiencies by consolidating workloads to lower the cost of operations. System z
can do this on a grand scale. The extreme virtualization capabilities of the z114 can support an
average of 30 distributed servers or more on a single core depending on the workload, or up to
hundreds in a single footprint, delivering a virtual Linux server for under $1.45 day1 and provides an
opportunity to help you to collapse infrastructures and drive greater data center efficiencies.
Unlike other proclaimed cloud solutions that are defined by a siloed architecture resource pool, the
z114 leaps beyond the virtualization of a single platform and can integrate, virtualize and manage
multiple server architectures for optimal application placement. You have the flexibility to deploy and
manage applications across a virtualized pool of heterogeneous resources and operating
environments including z/OS, z/VM, z/VSE, Linux on System z, AIX, Linux on System x and Windows2.
11

12. When configured with a zEnterprise BladeCenter Extension (zBX), you can combine System z, UNIX
and Intel3 server technologies into a single unified system—integrating workloads with affinity to
mainframe applications and data—and with the zEnterprise Resource Manager, manage it all with the
same tools, techniques and resources for consistent, automated and reliable service delivery.
The z114 offers a range of scaling capabilities:
Scale up—over 3100 general purpose MIPS in a single footprint
Scale out—consolidate up to 300 distributes servers
Scale within—specialty engines, cryptographic processors, hypervisors
Scale beyond its traditional boundaries—when configured with the zBX—supports the integration
of up to 112 distributed blade servers and workload optimizers5
With improved processor performance, increased capacity, new hybrid computing capabilities, and
significant power, space and cooling benefits, the z114 is now a genuine “data-center in a box” solution
and a perfect fit for infrastructure simplification and true Cloud Computing.
1
Linux on System z virtual servers can be: Less than $1545 for 3 years; Less than $515 per year; Less
than $1.45 per day. Based on US Enterprise Linux Server pricing. Pricing may vary by country. Model
configuration included 10 IFL cores running a mixed workload averaging 31 virtual machines per core
with varying degrees of activity. Includes zEnterprise hardware and z/VM virtualization software. Does
not include Linux OS or middleware software.
2
Statement of direction. All statements regarding IBM future direction and intent are subject to change
or withdrawal without notice, and represents goals and objectives only
Question:
What is the machine type of the z114?
Answer:
The machine type is 2818.
Question:
What z114 models were announced?
Answer:
The z114 is available in two models; a single central processing drawer model, the M05 and a two
drawer model, the M10 which offers the additional flexibility for I/O and coupling expansion and/or
increased specialty engine capability. The M05 and M10 are hardware differentiated models unlike the
LICCC differentiator on z9® BC. With up to 10 configurable cores, the model naming is indicative of
how many total processor units are available for customer purchase and characterization.
The cores can be configured as general purpose processors (CPs), Integrated Facilities for Linux
(IFLs), System z Application Assist Processors (zAAPs), System z Integrated Information Processors
(zIIPs), Internal Coupling Facilities (ICFs), additional System Assist Processors (SAPs), or used as
additional spares. And on the M10, you can have up to two “dedicated” spares as well, a first for the
midrange product offering.
With up to 5 CPs and 130 available capacity settings offered across either model, you have the
freedom to choose the right capacity setting for your needs with the flexibility to scale on demand as
workload demands increase.
And we offer both IFL only and ICF only configurations where you can have up to 10 IFLs or ICFs in a
standalone environment.
12

13. Question:
How much memory is available on the z114? What is the RAIM feature you mentioned earlier?
Answer:
The z114 supports up to 256 GB of customer purchased real (usable) RAIM-protected memory—an
industry exclusive currently available only on System z. Beyond the 248 GB of “customer purchasable
memory,” there is an additional 8 GB of memory for the Hardware System Area (HSA) which holds the
I/O configuration data for the server.
The minimum initial amount of memory that can be ordered is 8 GB on the Model M05 and 16 GB for
the Model M10. Memory can be ordered in increments of 8 or 32 GB.
The z114 and z196 are the only high-end servers in the industry to offer the redundant array of
independent memory (RAIM) technology. RAIM is similar to what is known in the disk storage industry
as RAID. RAIM technology provides protection for the dynamic random access memory (DRAM), dual
inline memory modules (DIMMs), and at the memory channel level, delivering the most resilient
memory subsystem to date. RAIM is always active, and IBM has already factored internal RAIM
overhead into all advertised memory configuration amounts.
Question:
Why did you introduce a 2 model packaging structure and what are the differences between the M05
and M10?
Answer:
We have basically halved the resources of the z10 BC processor drawer and split them into two
separate containers if you will, to make a more cost effective entry level solution for clients that don’t
need the full resources of a fully configured machine. So where on the z10 BC we had 4 Single Chip
Modules (10 configurable engines) and 2 Storage Control Modules which are your level 4 cache and
20 DIMMs for memory, we have now essentially split them so the resources are spread across 2
drawers on the z114 with each drawer separately containing 2 SCMs, 1 Storage Control Module and
10 DIMMs for memory. This allows us to avoid shipping and charging for unnecessary technology that
some clients will never need or use.
It is important to select the appropriate model for your processing needs. Other than just for capacity or
for raw engine count, there are other variables or reasons that may dictate the need for an M10 such
as:
When you require more than 5 total processor units (mix of CPs or specialty engines) or are on the
verge today and want to be able to grow non-disruptively into the M10 (e.g. you are on a 4 way
today and want the ability to add more the one specialty engine in the future
If you need more than 128 GB of memory offered on the M05 you can get up to 248 GB of customer
usable memory on the M10.
There is a limit to the amount hub slots and bandwidth that is available with the 1 drawer system
(M05) and if you exceed that bandwidth or need additional I/O capability or for increased coupling
link requirements then the 2nd drawer (M10) will be needed.
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14. z114 z114
M05 M10
Uniprocessor Performance 782 MIPS
z/OS Capacity 26 - 3139 MIPS1
Total System Memory 128 GB 256 GB
Configurable Engines 5 10
Dedicated Spares 0 2
Configurable CPs 0-5
Capacity Settings 130 130
zIIP/zAAP Maximum Qty 2 5
IFL/ICF Maximum Qty 5 10
LPARS/LCSS 30/2
HiperSockets™ 32
I/O Cages/Drawers Up to 3(1) Up to 3(1)
I/O slots per Cage/Drawers 8/32(2)
®
FICON Channels 128(3)
OSA Ports (10GbE/1GbE) 48/96
®
ESCON Channels 240(4)
STI (z9), IFB (z10) Bandwidth 6.0 GB/sec
PCIe (z114 BC) Bandwidth 8.0 GB/sec
ICB-4/ISC-3/PSIFB 0(5)/48/8 -16(6) 0(5)/48/16 - 32(7)
Upgradeable Upgrade From M10 to z196 (M15, Air cooled only)
Upgrading from the M05 to the M10 will require a planned outage so please plan accordingly.
Important planning note: There are many variables that can influence the proper determination of
model structure and capacity setting requirements. Do not use “one number” capacity comparisons!
Work with IBM technical support for capacity planning! Customers can now use zPCR. The IBM
Processor Capacity Reference (zPCR) is a free tool available for download that can be used to size
your System z processors.
http://www-03.ibm.com/support/techdocs/atsmastr.nsf/WebIndex/PRS1381
1
Relative capacity and performance compares at equal software levels as measured by IBM Large
System Performance Reference (LSPR) workloads using z/OS 1.11, Results may vary. Performance
and capacity claims all subject to plus/minus 5 percent.
https://www-304.ibm.com/servers/resourcelink/lib03060.nsf/pages/lsprindex?OpenDocument
Question:
How many spare processing cores are on the z114?
Answer:
There are 2 ‘dedicated’ IBM provided spares on the model M10 only. Unused or unassigned engines
on either the M05 or M10 can be used as spares.
Question:
Can either of these ‘dedicated’ IBM provided spare processing cores be used for other purposes?
Answer:
No, these spares are exclusively reserved to provide failover in the extremely unlikely event of a
processor failure. The spare cores protect all processor types (CPs, IFLs, zAAPs, zIIPs, and ICFs).
Any additional spares or unassigned cores can be activated for other purposes within the limits of the
allowable configuration.
14

15. Question:
How many System Assist Processors (SAPs) are on the z114?
Answer:
2 System Assist Processors (SAPs) are standard on both the model M05 and M10. Additionally, more
SAPs may be acquired from the pool of available processing units within the model.
Question:
Have you made improvements to the 'just-in-time' deployment of capacity on z114?
Answer:
Yes. Please see the capacity on demand section of this FAQ document.
Question:
Is the z114 physically bigger than the System z10 BC?
Answer:
No, the z114 is actually physically smaller than the z10 BC with a 9 inch reduction in depth. Although
the product dimensions are slightly smaller, the z114 still requires the same floor cutouts as the z10 BC
If you choose the top-exit cabling option, the clearance requires an additional 6 inches to the width of
the standard z114.
Below are is a summary of the Physical Configuration requirements for both models of the z114.
Physical Configuration M05 M10
Max Weight (Base/w Batteries/w 1802 lbs/2028 lbs/2123 lbs/ 2235 lbs 2064 lbs/2290 lbs/2385 lbs/2497 lbs)
Batteries & Overhead I/O
cabling/w batteries, Overhead I/O
& Balanced Power)
Footprint 30 in. W × 50 in. D or 0.97 sq meters 30 in. W × 50 in. D or 0.97 sq meters
(10.42 sq ft) (10.42 sq ft)
Service 36 in. W × 140 in. D or 3.16 sq meters 36 in. W × 140 in. D or 3.16 sq meters
(30.38 sq ft) (30.38 sq ft)
Product Dimensions 30.87 × 62 × 79.26 in. (784 × 1575 × 30.87 × 62 × 79.26 in. (784 × 1575 × 2013
(W × D × H)13 2013 mm) mm)
Question:
Can you help me understand the firmware implementation of z114?
Answer:
In general, z114 (and z196) and zBX firmware is implemented in the traditional System z manner.
What is different is that firmware (for example, the hypervisors) for blades installed in a zBX are
supported from the attached z114 firmware, to help optimize the integration of the zBX with the z114,
as well as treating the blade firmware as an "always there" component of the zEnterprise System. Also,
there are some changes to licensing of certain firmware in a zEnterprise System. First, firmware for
the z114 cryptography feature includes technology that requires license terms in addition to the
standard license terms governing use of LIC, so an addendum to the LIC license will be included when
a z114 is configured with a crypto card feature having elliptical curve cryptography capabilities.
Second, certain zBX components and features include firmware that is licensed under non-IBM terms
(called "separately licensed code" or "SLC"). IBM will deliver the license agreements governing use of
SLC along with the IBM license agreement for LIC when a zBX is ordered.
15

16. Question:
What is the maximum allowable distance between the z114 frame and the zBX frame?
Answer:
The controlling z114 must be connected to the zBX with a 26 meter (85’) cable. This requirement is for
serviceability reasons.
Question:
If I order a z114 with the non-raised floor (NRF) option, can I also order a zBX with a NRF option?
Answer:
Yes. Both the z114 and zBX support NRF implementations.
Question:
What cooling options are available for the z114 and the zBX?
Answer:
The z114 is a single frame, air cooled system only. Water cooling is not an option for the z114, like it is
on the z196.
For the zBX there is an optional rear door heat exchanger available.
Question:
Is it possible to update driver code on the zBX separately from the z114, on a different schedule?
Answer:
No. Once the zBX is installed the firmware is common and updated as a unified zEnterprise system.
Question:
Can I buy a z114 that has only IFL or ICF processors without including a general-purpose processor
(CP)?
Answer:
Yes. Similar to the System z10 BC, you can order only IFLs or ICFs in a z114, using a model capacity
identifier of A00 with 1 to 10 IFLs or ICFs.
Question:
Does the z114 offer the same hybrid capabilities as the z196?
Answer:
Yes. The z114 offers the exact same hybrid computing capabilities as the z196. The z114 simply
represents a new entry point into the hybrid computing model for mid-sized clients.
When we are talking about hybrid computing and the introduction of the z114, its important to realize
that the central processing complex can be either the z196 or now the z114. It’s the only component
that is different or interchangeable based on the size and capacity requirements of the mainframe
footprint.
16

17. The entire hybrid environment is equally accessible to the z114 client as the z196 provides. There are
no limitations in terms of what you can put in a zBX or how Unified Resource Manager works when
you’ve got a z114 vs a z196 in the mix. It is not kneecapped in ay way. It uses the same zBX, the same
blades, optimizers and operating environment support, and the same Unified Resource Manager
firmware. Everything we will talk about regarding hybrid computing applies equally to a z114 and z196
environment.
Question:
Is the z114 just a high end derivative of the z196?
Answer:
The z114 offering features many of the leadership capabilities of the z196 in a package that is
designed for mid-sized businesses, bringing hybrid computing within the reach of a much broader set
of clients. The new z114 is much more than just a high end derivative. While it boast similar qualities of
services, what we built was unique for the mid-sized business – new design point, new packaging,
more flexibility and improved price performance are just a few of elements of the new design.
17

18. z196 Hardware
Question:
What is new about the z196 processor chip?
Answer:
The z196 represents the world's finest microprocessor engineering. This new CPU combines all the
best qualities of the latest mainframe design philosophy with a generous infusion of POWER7-inspired
computational muscle, a reflection of the teamwork between IBM's best processor designers. When
considering all-important single threaded operations, the new z196 processor chip is quite simply the
fastest processor on the market today. At 5.2 GHz, the z196 is also the highest clock speed server
CPU ever created in all of computing history to date. The z196 microprocessor delivers astonishing
levels of performance also achieved through:
New Out-of-Order instruction execution provides improved throughput across a broad range of
workloads while preserving and extending the mainframe’s strength in delivering predictable,
reliable, assured processor results. In particular, Out-of-Order execution yields significant
improvements for compute-intensive applications dramatically increasing the breadth and scope of
mainframe computing in areas such as real-time business analytics.
There are 100 new instructions added to improve compiled code efficiency. Again, CPU-intensive
applications should benefit the most, including applications written in C++ on z/OS.
There are an unprecedented four levels of cache in the CPU packaging. Compared to the
industry’s previous reigning cache leader, the IBM System z10® Enterprise Class (z10 EC™), there
is more than twice as much on-chip cache memory and four times as much shared cache per
processor book. This rich shared-cache structure is particularly optimized for the enterprise
information serving workloads, mixed application workloads with high rates of context switching,
and pervasive virtualization workloads which are mainframe hallmarks and which provide the
strongest possible foundation for maximum cloud computing efficiency.
There is also a substantial performance improvement for multiprocessor systems with a large
number of cores (over 30) even compared to the already leading System z10. Like the z10™, there
are on-chip hardware accelerators for compression, encryption, decimal floating point, and other
important aspects of business computing, but these accelerators run even faster and support more
algorithms directly in hardware. Moreover, each pair of cores shares a coprocessor for data
compression and cryptographic functions, to improve throughput and to help keep all cores
maximally focused on productive business computing.
Even with all these improvements and amazing performance attributes, the overall result is a
system with more cores and even more performance while holding the line on data center space,
power, and cooling requirements. That means the z196 CPU delivers market-leading performance
with market-leading efficiency.
18

19. Question:
What about the z196 makes it so adept at for consolidation of server farms?
Answer:
Scale is the first big factor making the z196 so compelling for consolidating distributed servers. The
5.2 GHz chip means more processing power per core, and there are lots more cores available in each
frame – up to 80 “visible” cores per server but many more helping to keep those 80 focused on real
work. The z196 has a new RAIM (redundant array of independent memory) structure that delivers
double the amount of useable memory over the z10 EC (now 3.0 TB, up from 1.5 TB) with much
greater memory reliability.
The use of integrated blades offers an added dimension for workload consolidation and optimization.
And Unified Resource Manager governs Linux on System z and blade resources for greater command
and control.
Question:
What is the machine type of the z196?
Answer:
The machine type is 2817.
Question:
What z196 models were announced?
Answer:
IBM announced the following z196 models. Please note that the last two digits of the model number
indicate the maximum number of processor units (PUs) available for customer purchase on that
model.
A z196 M15 model can be a 1-way through 15-way – which means there are 15 orderable cores
contained on one processor “book” (plus many supporting cores in every model, including a minimum
of two spare cores).
A z196 M32 model can be a 1-way through 32-way (32 orderable cores) contained on two books.
A z196 M49 model can be a 1-way through 49-way (49 orderable cores) contained on three books.
A z196 M66 model can be a 1-way through 66-way (66 orderable cores) contained on four books.
The enhanced capacity z196 M80 model can be a 1-way through 80-way (80 orderable cores)
contained on four books.
Customers that reach book limits can easily upgrade from smaller models to larger models (except the
M80) nondisruptively, i.e. without requiring a service interruption of the machine.
The cores can be configured as general purpose processors (CPs), Integrated Facilities for Linux
(IFLs), System z Application Assist Processors (zAAPs), System z Integrated Information Processors
(zIIPs), additional System Assist Processors (SAPs), Internal Coupling Facilities (ICFs) and/or used as
additional spares.
Up to fifteen subcapacity CPs can be active on the server regardless of hardware model. In other
words, subcapacity configurations are available on any of the models (M15 to M80) as long as the
server is configured (not necessarily the same as purchased) with fifteen or fewer general-purpose
processors.
19

20. Question:
Does the z196 offer more available subcapacity processors than the z10 EC?
Answer:
Yes. The z196 can have up to 15 subcapacity Central Processors (CPs) per server while the
z10 EC accommodates up to 12 subcapacity CPs. These subcapacity processors can physically
reside in multiple books. These additional subcapacity options provide customers with the flexibility to
match their infrastructure to their business volumes at every moment in time, to improve operational
efficiency.
Question:
How much memory is available on the z196? What is the RAIM feature you mentioned earlier? Will I
still have a 16 GB HSA?
Answer:
The z196 server supports up to 3 TB of real memory per server and 1.0 TB per LPAR, but the actual
maximum physical memory sizes are related to the number of books in the system. The minimum
initial amount of memory that can be ordered is 32 GB for all models.
The z196 is the first and only high-end server in the industry to offer redundant array of independent
memory (RAIM) technology. RAIM is similar to what is known in the disk storage industry as RAID.
RAIM technology provides protection for the dynamic random access memory (DRAM), dual inline
memory modules (DIMMs), and at the memory channel level, delivering the most resilient memory
subsystem to date.
Please note that the 3 TB maximum memory is customer-usable, RAIM-protected memory. RAIM is
always active, and IBM has already factored internal RAIM overhead into all advertised memory
configuration amounts.
IBM still provides 16 GB of HSA in every z196, independent of customer-purchased memory.
Question:
What is different about the Model M80 compared to M66?
Answer:
The Model M80 is an enhanced capacity model which contains a different configuration of MCMs than
other models. The z196 is fully populated with four high density books and 80 orderable cores. You
can configure the M80 machine to be a 1 to 80-way. Like the other four-book model, the M66, the M80
can be ordered with a minimum of 32 GB of memory and up to a maximum of 3 TB.
Upgrading from any other model of the z196 to a Model M80 will require a planned outage of that
machine, but you can still avoid application service interruptions if you exploit Parallel Sysplex® which
can automatically and dynamically shift workloads to another machine.
Question:
How many spare processing cores are on the z196?
Answer:
IBM ships every z196 machine with a minimum of two spare processing cores. These spares can be
shared across the books. The z196 offers core-level (engine-level) level sparing.
20

21. Question:
Can any of these spare processing cores be used for other purposes?
Answer:
No, the minimum allotment of spare cores are exclusively reserved to provide failover in the extremely
unlikely event of a processor failure. The spare cores protect all processor types (CPs, IFLs, zAAPs,
zIIPs, and ICFs). Any additional spare cores above the minimum allotment can be activated for other
purposes.
Question:
How many System Assist Processors (SAPs) are on the z196?
Answer:
The answer depends on the model. The standard number of SAPs provided to the customer is as
follows:
The z196 Model M15 has three.
The z196 Model M32 has six.
The z196 Model M49 has nine.
The z196 Model M66 has twelve.
The z196 Model M80 has fourteen.
These are in addition to the "visible" customer configurable cores. For example, an M80 has 14 SAPs,
2 mandatory minimum spare cores, and up to 80 customer configurable cores.
Additionally, more SAPs may be acquired from the pool of available processing units within the model.
Question:
Have you made improvements to the 'just-in-time' deployment of capacity on z196?
Answer:
Yes. Please see the capacity on demand section of this FAQ document.
Question:
Is the z196 physically bigger than the System z10 EC?
Answer:
No, the z196 has the same floor cutouts as the z10 EC. If you choose optional water cooling or top-exit
I/O cabling the clearance is be different (4” additional depth for water and 12” width for top-exit I/O
cabling) from the standard z196.
Question:
Can you help me understand the firmware implementation of z196?
Answer:
In general, z196 and zBX firmware is implemented in the traditional System z manner. What is different
is that firmware (for example, the hypervisors) for blades installed in a zBX are supported from the
attached z196 firmware, to help optimize the integration of the zBX with the z196, as well as treating
the blade firmware as an "always there" component of the zEnterprise System. Also, there are some
changes to licensing of certain firmware in a zEnterprise System. First, firmware for the z196
cryptography feature includes technology that requires license terms in addition to the standard
license terms governing use of LIC, so an addendum to the LIC license will be included when a z196 is
configured with a crypto card feature having elliptical curve cryptography capabilities. Second, certain
zBX components and features include firmware that is licensed under non-IBM terms (called
21

22. "separately licensed code" or "SLC"). IBM will deliver the license agreements governing use of SLC
along with the IBM license agreement for LIC when a zBX is ordered.
Question:
What is the maximum allowable distance between the z196 frame and the zBX frame?
Answer:
The controlling z196 must be connected to the zBX with a 26 meter (85’) cable. This requirement is for
serviceability reasons.
Question:
What cooling options are available for the z196 and the zBX?
Answer:
For the z196 there is optional water cooling available. For the zBX there is an optional rear door heat
exchanger available.
Question:
Is it possible to update driver code on the zBX separately from the z196, on a different schedule?
Answer:
No. Once the zBX is installed the firmware is common and updated as a unified zEnterprise system.
Question:
Can I buy a z196 that has only IFL or ICF processors without including a general-purpose processor
(CP)?
Answer:
Yes. Similar to the System z10 EC, you can order only IFLs or ICFs in a z196, using a model capacity
identifier of 700 with 1 to 80 IFLs or a maximum of 16 ICFs.
22

23. z196 and z114 Availability
Question:
What availability enhancements are provided on the z196 and z114?
Answer:
With the introduction of the IBM zEnterprise 196, IBM continues to deliver enterprise reliability and
availability with enhancements to the memory subsystem, multichip module (MCM) and power delivery
technologies. The z114 is built using IBM’s SCM (single-chip module) design which hosts the newly
designed CMOS 12S processor units, storage control chips and connectors for I/O. Both designs offer
encapsulated processor unit connectors and soft error rate (SER) hardened latches throughout the
design.
The industry's most robust memory error detection and correction architecture to date is found in the
zEnterprise server’s new memory subsystem. A new redundant array of independent memory (RAIM)
technology provides protection at the dynamic random access memory (DRAM), dual inline memory
module (DIMM), and memory channel levels. IBM's RAIM technology can correct three full DRAM
failures per rank. DIMM level failures, including components such as the memory controller's
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the power regulators, the clocks, and the board, can all
be corrected. Memory channel failures such as signal lines, control lines, and drivers/receivers on the
MCM can be corrected, too. Upstream and downstream data signals can be spared using two spare
wires on both the upstream and downstream paths. One of these signals can be used to spare a clock
signal line (one upstream and one downstream). Together these improvements are designed to deliver
the most resilient memory subsystem to date.
Since data center environmental deviations are becoming more common and can quickly disrupt
options if undetected and unchecked, IBM has increased self-protection capabilities on the zEnterprise
family of servers. IBM includes voltage transformation module (VTM) technology with triple
redundancy on the VTM. This redundancy protects processor workloads from loss of voltage due to
VTM failures. Humidity and altitude sensors are also triple redundant, for increased reliability.
Both the z196 and z114 offers the new hot pluggable PCIe I/O drawers and I/O drawers, redundant I/O
interconnect, and concurrent PCIe fanout and Host Channel Adapter (HCA-O and HCA-C fanout card
hot-plug.
Of course, the z196 and z114 also inherit the already industry-leading availability characteristics of the
System z10 design.
Question:
Will the z196 and the z114 still offer Plan Ahead Memory?
Answer:
Yes. Plan Ahead Memory allows future memory upgrades to be preplanned and installed
non-disruptively. The preplanned memory feature adds the necessary physical memory required to
support target memory sizes. If you anticipate an increase in memory requirements, a "target" logical
memory size can now be specified in the configuration tool along with a "starting" logical memory size.
The configuration tool will then calculate the physical memory required to satisfy this target memory.
Should additional physical memory be required, it will be fulfilled with the preplanned memory features.
Activation of any preplanned memory requires the purchase of preplanned memory activation features.
You can activate memory to any logical size offered between the starting and target size.
23

24. Question:
Will the z196 offer the flexible memory option?
Answer:
Yes. Flexible memory was introduced on the z9 EC as part of design changes and offerings to support
enhanced book availability. Flexible memory provides the additional resources to maintain a constant
level of memory when replacing a book. On the z196, the additional resources required for the flexible
memory configurations are provided through the purchase of preplanned memory features along with
the purchase of a memory entitlement.
The flexible memory option is not available on the z114.
Question:
How is Flexible memory different than the Plan Ahead memory?
Answer:
Flexible memory provides a constant level of memory when you are replacing a book on the system.
Thus it is used during a repair action. On the other hand, Plan Ahead memory is pre-plugged in the
anticipation of wanting to increase memory non-disruptively at some point in the future. Memory is
pre-plugged based on the target capacity.
24

25. zBX Hardware and associated features
Question:
What is the hardware machine type of the zBX? Is there a machine type for the optimizers and blades
installed in the zBX?
Answer:
The zBX machine type is 2458 Model 002. IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer is ordered as a feature of
the 2458. POWER7 and System x blades are ordered independent of the zBX (see the POWER7 and
HX5 7873 section of this document for details). DataPower XI50z is ordered as a feature of the zBX
but will generate machine type 2462 Model 4BX.
Question:
If I have four zBX racks connected to one z196 or z114, is that considered one zBX or four zBXs?
Answer:
IBM considers that configuration to include one zBX with four racks. Customers can order one optional
zBX per z196 or z114 server, and the zBX can include one, two, three, or four racks.
Question:
If I have more than one rack in the zBX are they bolted together?
Answer:
Yes IBM offers ‘marriage kits’ in the ship group if you have more than one frame. These bolt the
frames together.
Question:
Is there anything that I will need to customize on the BladeCenter Chassis?
Answer:
No. The zBX is a totally integrated system. The only thing that is different per installation is that a
customer decides which blades they put into the zBX – either IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer,
DataPower XI50z or select POWER7 or System x blades.
Question:
How many z196s or z114s can connect to a zBX?
Answer:
A combination of up to eight z196s or z114s can connect over the intra-ensemble data network (IEDN)
to one zBX, but only one z196 or z114 “owns” the management and support connection.
25

26. Question:
What is the physical size of the zBX?
Answer:
It depends on what size zBX is ordered. Customers can order one to four zBX racks depending upon
the number of optimizers and blades required. The first rack will be a standard 42u 19” sized rack and
the rest will be 42u 19” expansion racks. Customers can request a 36u height reduction option if
needed. There are 2 to 4 power distribution units (PDU) and 2 to 4 60A line cords per rack. Rear door
heat exchanger and acoustic doors are optional.
Question:
How much time will it take to load the firmware on the blades using a zBX?
Answer.
It depends. There will be some difference based on the configuration. Firmware load times can range
from a few minutes to several hours.
Question:
What if I put a supported blade in the zBX that has data on it already?
Answer:
When the supported blade is discovered and configured it will be loaded, and the zBX will wipe the
BIOS level clean so any data will be removed – including any Machine Code that was on the blade.
Question:
If you have a zBX Model 002 with four frames, are there top-of-rack (TOR) switches in each frame?
Answer:
No, TOR switches for management and data are only in the first frame, so all zBX-002 network
connectivity flows through those switches.
Question:
If I have more than one frame in the zBX are they bolted together?
Answer:
Yes, IBM offers “marriage kits” in the package for customers ordering more than one frame. These kits
bolt the frames together using standard tools.
Question:
If I order a z114 with a non-raised floor (NRF), can I also order a zBX with a NRF option?
Answer:
Yes. Both the z114 and zBX support NRF implementations.
26

27. Question:
Will I be able to mix supported blades and optimizers in the same chassis within a zBX?
Answer:
It depends. The BladeCenter PS701 Express and BladeCenter HX5 blades and DataPower XI50z can
share the same BladeCenter chassis — note that DataPower XI50z blades are “doublewide” and use
two slots. They can be mixed in the same zBX with IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer blades—but not in
the same BladeCenter Chassis. Total zBX capacity can not exceed 112 total blades.
Question:
Why can’t I mix general-purpose blades or DataPower XI50z blades and IBM Smart Analytic Optimizer
blades within the same chassis?
Answer:
The IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer has certain technical requirements for setting up control and
worker nodes that demands this uniformity within the same chassis.
Question:
Why are there only two BladeCenter chassis per zBX frame?
Answer:
The maximum power that a rack can support is 240amps. Two BladeCenters, fully configured in
accordance with the zBX infrastructure and the redundancy requirements, could reach this limit.
Additionally, as the zBX is shipped as a single unit, more than two BladeCenters would exceed
shipment tilt and weight limitations.
Question
What is the benefit of have a zBX compared to blades installed in a BladeCenter H?
Answer:
There are several benefits of using the zBX. One is the high speed 10 Gb layer2 network that is
configured for high availability and secured by the Unified Resource Manager. The connectivity can
reduce latency and overhead and potentially remove the requirement for additional hardware
(specifically firewalls). Another benefit is the Unified Resource Manager, which provides uniformity of
management tasks, independent of server type or operating system. The system administrator uses
Unified Resource Manager to set up new virtual servers in the same way, independently of the
operating system and the hardware.
Question:
Can an IFL-only server (z196 model capacity identifier 700 or z114 model capacity identifier A00) run
Unified Resource Manager with a zBX attached?
Answer:
The Unified Resource Manager does not require a specific configuration or operating system, so an
IFL-only server is compatible with the zBX.
27

28. Question:
What is the configuration of the BladeCenter chassis in the zBX?
Answer:
All the blades are virtualized, so the underlying hardware is never material for management and
provisioning. The BladeCenter chassis is part of the configured hardware that comes with the zBX
order. When an order is placed, depending on the number of blades specified in the configurator you
plan to install, the required hardware is placed into the zBX. This also means that when you want to
upgrade the zBX to add additional blades, or optimizers, the z configurator (eConfig) will do that
planning work again and the resulting configuration will have the necessary hardware.
The components of the BladeCenter chassis are not managed independently either. The operational
controls provided on the z196 by the Unified Resource Manager enable the underlying hardware
infrastructure components to be managed transparently to the user.
Question:
Is the Unified Resource Manager the mechanism for managing the BladeCenter chassis and its I/O
modules?
Answer:
Yes. Using the Unified Resource Manager (part of the enhanced management suite) you define the
virtual server2. All aspects of a virtual server can be defined – CPU, memory, network, console, disk
storage, and virtual DVD – taking into account differences in the underlying capabilities. (For example
a virtual DVD is not supported for a z/VM-based virtual server). In addition, virtual guests can be listed,
started and stopped, reconfigured, and deleted when no longer required. A virtual server definition can
also be moved from one hypervisor to another of the same type.
You also define workloads. A workload is a logical grouping of physical and virtual resources within
the context of named business processes. When you set up a workload you will assign the virtual
servers, storage and network (VLANs) resources that you want to make available to the workload.
Question:
What workloads are good candidates to run on the zEnterprise System?
Answer:
The zEnterprise provides the opportunity to bring together most or all of the application and information
components of important end-to-end business applications into one unified, simplified, and easily
managed server environment. Strong candidates for zBX hosting include application components with
affinities to System z application and information services. Such applications are found in every
industry, including banking, insurance, retail, government, and manufacturing. Some of the candidate
workloads include business intelligence, data warehousing, business analytics, ERP (including SAP
applications), CRM, infrastructure services (such as monitoring, storage management, and security
services), Web serving, and other multi-tier application architectures. The zEnterprise also offers new
opportunities for recentralizing enterprise information (for improved governance and customer privacy
protection), master data management, and enterprise reporting.
IBM System z representatives can meet with prospective zEnterprise customers and use a new
assessment tool to identify the strongest application candidates and determine the business value that
zEnterprise delivers. Please contact an IBM representative for more information.
28

29. Question:
Today I have WebSphere Application Server running on distributed servers, and I've been considering
moving at least some of those applications to the mainframe. Should I move my applications to
WebSphere Application Server for z/OS, WebSphere Application Server for Linux on System z, or to a
zBX blade?
Answer:
It depends. For example, if your applications have close affinity to z/OS-based information and/or
applications, or require the highest service qualities, hosting them on WebSphere Application Server
for z/OS is likely the best strategy. If z/OS affinity is less important, or if there are particular affinities
with Linux or AIX (operational or otherwise), System z Linux, System x blades or AIX blades may make
the most sense. In some cases the best choice may be to run WebSphere Application Server on all
three operating systems.
IBM offers "Fit for Purpose" workshops to review your IT architectures and make recommendations for
server platform placement. Please ask your IBM representative for more information.
Question:
I am a user of a large ERP application and have been running it on System z for a long time. I have
migrated everything in my entire shop over to System z and now run DB2 for z/OS, several
applications on z/OS, all my ERP application servers on Linux on System z, and some other
applications on Linux on System z. The few exceptions to our general deployment strategy consist of
some third party applications. The application vendors do not support their products on System z, but
the applications are critical to our business. I think these applications would be good candidates for a
zBX blade solution. Correct?
Answer:
Yes. The zBX's System x or POWER7 blades provide an excellent option for such applications, and
customers can use them to consolidate applications that do not yet run on Linux on System z or on
z/OS.
Customers should also ask their vendors for the solution attributes they need, including support for
their preferred platforms. Through its PartnerWorld® program, IBM welcomes and assists vendors in
bringing their applications to more operating systems, including Linux on System z and z/OS. In this
way, vendors can expand their market opportunities, increase customer satisfaction and retention, and
thus grow their revenues and profits. Typically the effort required is minimal, and IBM is happy to work
with vendors to help them achieve these goals.
Question:
Are there any zBX-based applications tested with the zBX?
Answer:
There is no such thing as a “zBX-based application” per se. The IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer is an
optimizer that runs completely under the control of DB2 for z/OS, so there is no application-related
dependency nor are there customer-installed applications on the optimizer. The POWER7 blades, or
System x blades, installed in the zBX are exactly the same POWER7 or
System x blades installed in any other BladeCenter chassis and are interchangeable. Naturally, those
POWER7 blades run the same AIX operating system and the System x blades run the same Linux
operating system. There is no difference in the blades or in the core chassis, by design.
29

30. However, applications running on the zBX-based blades enjoy several benefits: easy-to-use
management with the Unified Resource Manager, reduced infrastructure complexity, and closer
proximity to the System z workload components.
Question:
If I have spare room in the zBX can I put blades in there that are not controlled by Unified Resource
Manager?
Answer:
The current design point of the zBX, and a very important one from a control/mgt point of view, is a
blade in a zBX must be managed by the Unified Resource Manager. We do not have an option for a
non-managed zBX blade.
Question:
What is the maximum number of blades I can put in the zBX?
Answer:
The total capacity of a zBX can not exceed 112 total blades and can be a all of one kind or a
combination. POWER7 can support up to 112 blades, System x can support up to 28 blades,
DataPower XI50z can support up to 28 blades and IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer can support up to 56.
The blades for POWER7, System x and DataPower XI50z can be shared in the same BladeCenter
chassis. Remember that DataPower appliance blades are “doublewide” and use two slots. These
blades can be mixed in the same zBX with IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer blades—but not in the same
BladeCenter Chassis.
Question:
I'd like to be prepared to install System x blades when they become available. Can I order a zBX with
no blades in it and have it 'ready to go'?
Answer:
Nothing has changed and the order process that exists today remains in place. A zBX order must
include entitlement for the blades on the z196 - and until September 26th, entitlements on the zBX are
NOT available for the System x blades. Although you can order POWER7 blades today, the POWER7
entitlements will not be transferable to System x blades.
Question:
After you announce them, if I have a rack with supported System x blades installed in it, such as an
existing BladeCenter H, can I integrate those existing blades into a zBX so they can become part of
zEnterprise?
Answer:
When we formally announce support, if the blades you own match the published model and
configuration specifications for integration into the zBX, those blades can be installed into the zBX
through the standard defined processes (including getting entitlements).
NOTE: You cannot install an existing BladeCenter H chassis in the zBX.
30

31. Question:
Does IBM System z plan to implement new blades and chassis in the zBX as they become available?
Answer:
We will need time to test and confirm support for new devices, but our intention is to integrate desired
new technologies into the zBX.
31

32. POWER7 Blades for zBX
Question:
How do I order the POWER7 blade?
Answer:
The PS701 Express blade with features and software may be obtained through an IBM Business
Partner or Distributor, an IBM sales representative, or through http://www.ibm.com. It is recommended
that you use the following document, posted and continuously updated on the zBX website, for the
most current ordering information.
http://www.ibm.com/common/ssi/cgi-bin/ssialias?infotype=SA&subtype=WH&appname=STGE_ZS_ZS_USEN
&htmlfid=ZSY03019USEN&attachment=ZSY03019USEN.PDF
Question:
Will we have Linux available to run on the POWER7 blades?
Answer:
No. The POWER7 blades can run AIX 5.3 (Technology Level 12) or later in POWER6® and
POWER6+™ compatibility mode and AIX 6.1 (Technology Level 5) or later. Linux is already available
for the z196 and a Statement of Direction for IBM System x blades 6 .
Question:
Which version of PowerVM™ do I need?
Answer:
You will need to purchase a license for PowerVM Enterprise Edition (EE). You do not need to obtain a
physical copy of the PowerVM software as it will be loaded as System z firmware. Note that when the
blade is installed in the zBX and “discovered” by the Unified Resource Manager some PowerVM
functions, such as Live Partition Mobility, will not be exploited.
Question:
If I have a rack with POWER7 blades installed in it, such as an existing BladeCenter H, can I integrate
those existing blades into a zBX so they can become part of zEnterprise?
Answer:
If the blades match the published model and configuration specifications for integration into the zBX,
those blades are interchangeable and can be installed into the zBX through the standard defined
processes.
NOTE: If the blades are not already licensed for PowerVM Enterprise, and do not have the PowerVM
Enterprise activation codes entered, the licenses must be obtained, and the activation codes must be
entered before the blades are removed from their current BladeCenter chassis. This is because
Unified Resource Manager does not provide the User interface to enter the activation codes, so you
will have to enter them in their current BladeCenter environment if you don’t already have the
PowerVM EE license/codes on the blades. Additionally, you cannot install an existing BladeCenter H
chassis into the zBX.
The following is a link for entering the activation codes in the blades’ existing BladeCenter
environment:
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/powersys/v3r1m5/topic/p7hch/iphchenablevios.htm?resultof=%22%6
1%63%74%69%76%61%74%69%6f%6e%22%20%22%61%63%74%69%76%22%20%22%63%6f%64%65%
22%20
6
All statements regarding IBM future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represents goals and objectives only
32

33. Question:
How is the installation of AIX and the hypervisor managed? Today firmware on a POWER7 blade can
only be updated via an OS installed on the blade or by booting a diagnostic CD. How will this be done
in the zBX?
Answer:
The hypervisors are managed by Unified Resource Manager and are loaded automatically when the
blade is ”discovered and configured” within the zBX. The hypervisor will not be accessible to the
customer. Once a virtual server has been created the customer follows normal operating system
installation (AIX) procedures to create a new image.
Question:
What if the POWER7 blade has more memory on it than the supported configuration?
Answer:
The blade would be rejected by Unified Resource Manager.
Question:
What applications can run on the POWER7 blade in a zBX?
Answer:
Applications that are certified for POWER7 and PowerVM EE are compatible. The same software and
hardware environment is provided on the POWER7 blades in the zBX.
Question:
Will there be separate certification and support statements required for the various middleware
products run on the supported AIX?
Answer:
If middleware or applications run on PowerVM on a POWER7 blade today, then existing support
statements are sufficient. IBM does not require and does not plan to issue separate certification and
support statements. IBM has also been working closely with its ISV partners and already has
substantial feedback that they share the same view.
Question:
Are the Power blades managed by Systems Director?
Answer:
No. The zBX blades are managed by the Unified Resource Manager.
Question:
What are the current allowable configurations of the PS701 blades installed in the zBX?
Answer:
There are three memory configurations of PS701 BladeCenter Express blades currently supported in
the zBX: 32 GB DIMM, 64 GB DIMM and 128 GB DIMM.
Question:
What adapters can be ordered on the PS701 blade?
Answer:
The standard 2port 10 GbE (FC# 8275) and the Fibre Channel Adapter (FC# 8242) must be ordered.
33

34. They are the only adapters that are supported in the zEnterprise environment.
Question:
What storage attaches to the POWER7 blades?
Answer:
A list of supported storage products to support the POWER7 blades can be found on the web at:
http://www.ibm.com/common/ssi/cgi-bin/ssialias?subtype=PS&infotype=SA&appname=STGE_ZS_ZS_USEN&
htmlfid=ZSP03437USEN&attachment=ZSP03437USEN.PDF. No storage products can be installed in the
zBX.
Question:
Is there a requirement to set up the VIOS? If so, who does that?
Answer:
VIOS is considered part of the hypervisor, and is therefore managed and delivered by the System z
microcode update process. VIOS and PowerVM will be automatically installed onto each blade after it
is entitled and activated. So, there is no install of VIOS by the customer. Additionally, any of the
manual configuration of VIOS that is traditionally performed will no longer be required. To keep VIOS
more stable, there is no external access to it. The Unified Resource Manager will effect the required
configuration changes to VIOS in response to the POWER LPAR definition activities that are
performed on the HMC.
Question:
Will the POWER7 support PowerHA™?
Answer:
PowerHA can be configured to perform automated service recovery for the applications running in
virtual servers deployed in zBX. PowerHA automates application failover from one virtual server in a
IBM System p® blade to another virtual server in a different System p blade with similar configuration.
Failover protects service (masks service interruption) in case of unplanned or planned (scheduled)
service interuption. During failover, clients may experience a short service unavailability, while
resources are configured by PowerHA on the new virtual server.
Power HA configuration for zBX environment is similar to standard Power environments, with the
particularity that it uses only virtual I/O resources. Currently, PowerHA for zBX support is limited to
failover inside the same zBX.
IBM PowerHA* Standard Edition (formerly HACMP*) for AIX, V6.1 and V7.1 adds support for the zBX)
attached to the z196 or z114. This support is with IBM BladeCenter* PS701 (8406-71Y) Blades.
It is recommended to obtain the latest service updates for this support. Please refer to the following
information for minimum support levels.
zBX AIX V5.3 AIX V6.1
PowerHA SystemMirror V6.1 Standard AIX V5.3 TL12 AIX V5.1 TL05
Edition
RSCT 2.4.13.0 RSCT V3.1.0.3(*)
PowerHA SystemMirror V7.1 Standard Not Supported AIX V5.1 TL06
Edition
RSCT V3.1.0.3(*)
Notes:
34

35. (*) AIX 6.1 TL06 SP3 preferred with RSCT 3.1.0.4 (packaged in CSM PTF 1.7.1.10 installed with
AIX 6.1.6.3) is the preferred baseline for zBX Virtual Servers.
When setting up disk volumes used for Power HA, care must be taken to define zBX Virtual Server
bootable disks such that they are discovered prior to the shared disks used for Power HA resource
groups. In most cases this is achieved by defining the bootable disks with LUN IDs lower than the
LUN IDs of the shared disks.
POWER HA DLPAR control is not supported.
The optional zEnterprise management network interface available on AIX servers running in the
zBX PS701 blades cannot participate in PowerHA cluster network configuration. This special
interface is for Unified Resource Manager purposes only. AIX virtual servers cannot communicate
over it, and should be excluded from use in the PowerHA configuration.
PowerHA is intended for failover within an ensemble and not for business continuity across
ensembles, hence PowerHA Enterprise Edition is not supported in the zBX environment
PowerHA 6.1: Since AIX virtual servers on zBX Power blades always use virtualized I/O, the
netmon.cf file should be used to maintain proper network availability. Refer to PowerHA 6.1
documentation for setup of netmon.cf.
PowerHA 7.1 AIX virtual servers on zBX Power blades cannot be configured with fibre channel
adapters, so the PowerHA 7.1 FC heartbreaking feature cannot be used.
Question:
Is there a limit on the number of virtual servers per blade?
Answer:
Initially we’ll support 20 virtual servers on the POWER7 blades. Over time, IBM expects that number
will increase.
35

36. IBM System x blades for zBX
Question:
What select System x blades will be supported in the zBX?
Answer:
The zBX will support IBM BladeCenter HX5 7873 blades. The HX5 7873 blade is built on the IBM
BladeCenter family of products and designed using the latest IBM X-Architecture® technology with
fifth-generation eX5 innovation, with capabilities that help promote greater system uptime and
energy-smart design.
Select single-wide two socket HX5 7873 blade configurations have been tested by IBM and are based
on proven technology utilizing Intel® Xeon® Processor Chips. ONLY those HX5 7873 hardware
configurations defined by IBM System z will be supported and work in the zBX. The blades are
optimized to achieve maximum performance for both the system and its virtual machines. As a
member of the zEnterprise System, the HX5 7873 blade comes under the management of the IBM
zEnterprise Unified Resource Manager.
Question:
Who orders the blades? Is it part of the configuration process by my IBM team?
Answer:
Similar to the PS701 blade for the zBX today, the System x blade will not be part of the zBX
configuration. The System x blade with features and software may be obtained through an IBM
Business Partner or Distributor, an IBM sales representative, or through the web. The following
document should be used as a guide for specific ordering information.
http://www.ibm.com/common/ssi/cgi-bin/ssialias?infotype=SA&subtype=WH&appname=STGE_ZS_ZS_USEN
&htmlfid=ZSL03128USEN&attachment=ZSL03128USEN.PDF
Question:
What would happen if the blade I try to install does not match the supported System x configuration?
Answer:
The blade would be rejected by Unified Resource Manager.
Question:
What type of storage will be available for the System x blade?
Answer:
For IBM open storage information you can use the System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC) web
site - http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/storage/ssic/interoperability.wss. For information on support
from other industry leaders you can use the IBM Server Proven web site -
http://www.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/. Your IBM storage specialist
(FTSS – Field Technical Support Specialist) or BP storage specialist can also assist you in finding an
open storage product to support the IBM BladeCenter HX5 7873.
36

37. Question:
What operating system software releases and hypervisor will be supported on the System x blades?
Answer:
The two Linux operating system configurations that will be supported are Linux RHEL 5.5 and SLES 11
SP1. When ordering the operating system for your HX5 7873 blade, you should not have it
preinstalled on the blade. This is primarily due to the fact that the Unified Resource Manager will install
an integrated hypervisor (which is KVM based) on the BladeCenter HX5 7873 when it finds the blade
installed on the zBX. Second, you may already have a license for the operating system that can be
used. Therefore, you may not have a requirement to order the operating system at the time the blade
is ordered.
Question:
What version of Windows will you be supporting on the System x blade?
Answer:
NOTE that this information is a statement of direction only. All statements regarding IBM's future
direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and
objectives only. IBM’s intent is to support Microsoft Windows Server 2008 – Datacenter Edition on the
HX5 7873 blades installed in the zBX, 64 bit version only.
Question:
I noticed in your recent announcement there was no reference to your intentions to support Windows in
the zBX, I recall an early statement of directions suggesting 4Q2011. Is that still the plan?
Answer:
There is no change to our previous statement of direction.
Question:
Does IBM intend to support virtualization on the System x blades? What about VMware - are there
plans to make this available?
Answer:
IBM will support virtualization, however, we do not have plans to support VMware or its hypervisor.
Question:
What applications can run on the System x blade in a zBX?
Answer:
Applications that are certified for the operating systems supported by the zBX are compatible.
Question:
What workloads do you expect to execute on the System x blades? I am trying to figure out if my
Windows application will be a good candidate.
Answer:
The IBM zEnterprise provides the ideal foundation and infrastructure required by our customers’
increasingly complex workloads. In the future, when we offer Windows support, the aperture of
applications is widened, and applications that run on Windows will run on the zEnterprise. Best fit
workloads that can take advantage of zEnterprise are workloads and applications that rely on System
z for data serving and application components, whether it is DB2 for z/OS, IMS™, CICS®, WebSphere
or even Oracle. In addition, they are workloads that require the strength of System z but often have
37

38. application components on Power or Intel that are required to complete the end to end business
process.
If you have applications running in these two or three tier environments, they may be excellent
candidates for migrating to a zEnterprise. Our recommendation is to work with your IBM or Business
Partner Sales Representative to run a study – such as our Fit-for-Purpose workshop or Business
Value Assessment - to help you identify the value zEnterprise can bring your environment. And, since
there is some time between this SOD and availability, now is an excellent time to run one of these
studies.
Question:
Will the System x blades be managed by Systems Director?
Answer:
No. The zBX blades are managed by the Unified Resource Manager.
Question:
I am an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) and I see that the zEnterprise will support Linux running
on the BladeCenter Extension (zBX). Does that mean that I no longer have a need to enable my
applications to run on Linux for System z?
Answer:
No, the need remains. Most applications should still be enabled and deployed on Linux for System z in
the z196 or z114. Putting Linux applications allows the applications to take direct advantage of the z
architecture that allows not only close proximity between applications and database, but it also
includes the following:
Using the IBM zEnterprise – the server family that can offer extreme scalability and performance
for transaction processing and data serving
The only hardware with L4 Cache to help with high throughput
Internal private communications within the box at up to 6GB/s
Hardware encryption capabilities
I/O and Network off-load built into the hardware that allows high through puts even when virtualized
and running CPU greater than 90% utilization.
And with zBX the ability to leverage software/ hardware combinations to further enhance a
complete solution
Leveraging the internal architecture and new capabilities will allow most ISV code to run in a
manner giving customers increased value in the code they are running.
While deploying an application on a zBX provides centralized management through the Unified
Resource Manager, applications running on the z196 or z114 also receive the well-known “qualities of
service” that remains System z’s competitive advantage. Although different applications have different
needs, some of these qualities are reliability, performance, availability, accounting, scalability, I/O
bandwidth, staff productivity, and so on. Applications desiring System z levels of these attributes
should choose deployment on Linux on System z. As well, the consolidation capabilities on the z196
and z114 allow for a cost attractive large scale data center simplification and optimization. Those
applications that have been a fit on a blade in the past, and don't require the qualities of service of
System z, will still remain a fit on the blades in a zBX environment.
38

39. Remember that in general, a mixture of applications running on Linux for System z will overall perform
better as System z typically provides higher utilization levels vs. a number of blades. Although your
mileage may vary, distributed servers often run at average utilization levels in the range of 5 to 20%.
On an IFL, one can achieve nearly 100% utilization nearly 100% of the time. Both the z196 and the
new z114 have many performance enhancements that allow direct native Linux on System z
applications to perform better than on earlier System z processors as well.
Finally, many ISVs already have their applications directly executing on Linux for System z and will
want to continue to enhance and add to their portfolio of those applications native.
39

40. zBX Networking
Question:
What do I need to order on the z196 or z114 to attach a zBX?
Answer:
On either the z196 or z114 you need to provide two OSM ports (OSA-Express3 1000BASE-T) and two
OSX (OSA-Express3 10 GbE) ports (all on different cards) to connect to a zBX.
Question:
If I upgrade the zBX and it expands to a second rack, do I order additional OSA adapters to connect to
it?
Answer
No, the connectivity you established during the installation of the first rack is sufficient.
Question:
Given that you have incorporated a private data network and a private management network in
zEnterprise, can I still attach to my company’s external network?
Answer:
Yes, you can use slots on the TOR switch in the zBX and use OSA Direct adapters on the z196 or z114
to attach directly to your external network.
Question:
Since I have the IEDN, why might I want connectivity to my external network?
Answer:
The IEDN provides connectivity between different elements of the zEnterprise nodes that form an
ensemble. Your external network provides access to the ensemble resources from outside the
ensemble (for example, from the Internet or data on another System z server). As such, some
customers might use physical or virtual firewalls, encryption, and other technologies to protect the
ensemble resources from users and systems on the external network while allowing traffic on the
secured IEDN to flow in the clear. However, many network configuration choices are available to
balance throughput, latency, and security requirements.
Question:
What resources can use the secure data network (IEDN)?
Answer:
The data network (IEDN) is controlled by the Unified Resource Manager, which will define the virtual
networks that can be used for communication. When you create virtual servers, you can define
network interfaces for them and associated them with these virtual networks, enabling the virtual
servers on the same virtual network to communicate with one another.
40