System z

System z

IBM's family of 64-bit mainframes, introduced in 2000 as the zSeries. It includes the z9, z10 and zEnterprise 196 models, all of which are robust, mission critical computer systems that generally run under IBM's z/OS and z/VM operating systems.

IBM's z/Architecture was a major upgrade to the previous ESA/390 mainframes. The first z mainframe was the high-end 900 line, followed in 2002 by the zSeries 800, geared to the mid-size customer. Following is a list of "z" models over the years. The enterprise class designation refers to the high-end machines. See z/OS, zEnterprise, z/Architecture, IBM branding and System/390.

  Year    Mainframe
  Intro.  Model            Class

  2010    zEnterprise 196  Enterprise

  2008    System z10 EC    Enterprise
  2008    System z10 BC    Business

  2006    System z9 BC     Business
  2005    System z9 EC     Enterprise

  2004    zSeries 890      Business
  2003    zSeries 990      Enterprise

  2002    zSeries 800      Business
  2000    zSeries 900      Enterprise