RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – If you thought mainframe computers were dead, think again.
IBM, in a move that it says could lead to the transformation of data centers, is consolidating data and applications on some 3,900 servers onto 30 of its “System z” mainframes.
The consolidation will cut energy costs by 80 percent, IBM says.
Think of the strategy like this: It’s “green” in two ways – saving energy, which is good for the environment, and saving cash. Naturally, IBM says the strategy is part of its “Project Big Green” program launched in May that is focused on reducing energy demands.
The mainframes also will run on Linux in another victory for open source operating systems. Since these mainframes can run thousands of programs through virtualization technology, they offer a variety of advantages over more limited servers, IBM says. Virtualization is a technology that enables one machine to run several operating systems.
“The IBM mainframe’s ability to run the Linux operating system is key to the consolidation project, providing an open foundation for a wide variety of applications,” IBM said in announcing the move.
The move to mainframes will generate what IBM calls “significant savings” over five years not only in energy but software and support expenses.
Consolidating servers also will free up a lot of floor space, and in expensive, security-sensitive places like data centers space is at a premium.
IBM’s strategy has impressed Rob Hailstone, the Software Infrastructure Practice Director with Butler Group in the U.K.
“This new phase of consolidation represents a very significant investment for IBM, but as well as providing a significant, long-term cost saving will enable IBM to build a team of very credible resources to pass on the experiences learned to its customer base,” he said in a recent note.
IBM operates data centers covering more than 8 million square feet, some of which it calls “the world’s largest and most sophisticated.”
Key to the cost and energy savings initiative is the mainframe.
"The mainframe is the single most powerful instrument to drive better economics and energy conservation at the data center today," said James Stallings, the general manager, IBM System z mainframe, in announcing the program. "By moving globally onto the mainframe platform, IBM is creating a technology platform that saves energy while positioning our IT assets for flexibility and growth."
IBM has stuck with mainframes even as the world seemed to move to servers, and Big Blue says mainframe sales have increased revenues for five consecutive quarters.
“The IBM mainframe’s ability to run the Linux operating system is key to the consolidation project, providing an open foundation for a wide variety of applications,” IBM said in announcing the move.
Data centers affected by the switch to mainframes include three in the U.S., one in the United Kingdom, another in Japan and one in Australia.
The displaced servers will be recycled, IBM said.
Of course, That’s being “green.”
