IBM z17

Meet the IBM z17, a powerful mainframe built to bring advanced AI into hybrid cloud environments. This boosts performance, security, and decision making. It''s powered by the new IBM Telum II processor, making it capable of handling over 250 AI tasks. These tasks include managing loan risks, handling chatbots, analyzing medical images, and preventing retail crime.

Benefits

The z17 features a second generation on chip AI accelerator within the Telum II processor. This enables more than 450 billion inference operations per day with a one millisecond response time. This is a 50% increase in AI operations compared to its predecessor, the z16. The IBM Spyre Accelerator, expected in Q4 2025, will complement the Telum II processor. It will support multi model AI methods and generative AI capabilities. The z17 is designed to improve developer and IT operations efficiency with AI assistants and agents, such as IBM watsonx Code Assistant for Z and IBM watsonx Assistant for Z. These tools will be integrated with Z Operations Unite to provide AI chat based incident detection and resolution using live systems data. Security is a core focus of the z17, with new features like secrets management from HashiCorp and AI powered data security capabilities. The mainframe also includes IBM Threat Detection for z/OS, designed to identify potentially malicious anomalies resulting from cyber attacks.

Use Cases

The z17 is fully integrated across hardware and software, supporting modern data access methods, NoSQL databases, and hybrid cloud data processing. The upcoming z/OS 3.2 operating system will further enhance these capabilities, providing support for hardware accelerated AI and operational AI insights for system management. IBM''s comprehensive support experience, including AI driven incident remediation, ensures peak performance and addresses risks for mission critical operations. The IBM Storage DS8000 complements the z17, offering a secured and agile storage solution for critical workloads. The z17 will be generally available on June 18, 2025, with the Spyre Accelerator expected later in the year. IBM''s commitment to trust, transparency, and innovation underscores the z17''s role in driving AI powered business value across industries.