IBM z15 Technical Introduction

IBM z15 Technical Introduction

by Bill White, Octavian Lascu, John Troy, Jannie Houlbjerg, Frank Packheiser, Paul Schouten, Kazuhiro Nakajima, Anna Shugol, Hervey Kamga, Bo XU
Released October 2019
Publisher(s): IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 9780738458021

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Book description

This IBM® Redbooks® publication introduces the latest member of the IBM Z® platform, the IBM z15™ (machine type 8561). It includes information about the Z environment and how it helps integrate data and transactions more securely. It also provides insight for faster and more accurate business decisions.

The z15 is a state-of-the-art data and transaction system that delivers advanced capabilities, which are vital to any digital transformation. The z15 is designed for enhanced modularity, which is in an industry-standard footprint.

The z15 system excels at the following tasks:


  • Using multicloud integration services
  • Securing data with pervasive encryption
  • Providing resilience with key to zero downtime
  • Transforming a transactional platform into a data powerhouse
  • Getting more out of the platform with IT Operational Analytics
  • Accelerating digital transformation with agile service delivery
  • Revolutionizing business processes
  • Blending open source and Z technologies

This book explains how this system uses new innovations and traditional Z strengths to satisfy growing demand for cloud, analytics, and open source technologies. With the z15 as the base, applications can run in a trusted, reliable, and secure environment that improves operations and lessens business risk.

Table of contents

  1. +Front cover
  2. Notices
    1. Trademarks
  3. Preface
    1. Authors
    2. Now you can become a published author, too!
    3. Comments welcome
    4. Stay connected to IBM Redbooks
  4. Chapter 1. Designed to take on today’s IT demands
    1. 1.1 The z15: the platform for the digital economy
      1. 1.1.1 Using multicloud integration services
      2. 1.1.2 Securing data with pervasive encryption
      3. 1.1.3 Providing resilience with key to zero downtime
      4. 1.1.4 Transforming a transactional platform into a data powerhouse
      5. 1.1.5 Getting more out of the platform with IT Operational Analytics
      6. 1.1.6 Accelerating digital transformation with agile service delivery
      7. 1.1.7 Revolutionizing business processes
      8. 1.1.8 Blending open source and Z technologies
    2. 1.2 z15 technical description
      1. 1.2.1 Technical highlights
      2. 1.2.2 Storage connectivity
      3. 1.2.3 Network connectivity
      4. 1.2.4 Cryptography
      5. 1.2.5 Clustering connectivity
      6. 1.2.6 Special-purpose features and functions
      7. 1.2.7 Capacity on demand and performance
      8. 1.2.8 Reliability, availability, and serviceability
    3. 1.3 z15 software support
      1. 1.3.1 IBM compilers
  5. Chapter 2. IBM z15 hardware overview
    1. 2.1 Models and upgrade paths
    2. 2.2 Frames and cabling
    3. 2.3 CPC drawers
      1. 2.3.1 Single Chip Modules
      2. 2.3.2 Processor unit
      3. 2.3.3 Memory
      4. 2.3.4 Hardware system area
    4. 2.4 I/O system structure
    5. 2.5 Power and cooling
      1. 2.5.1 Power Options
      2. 2.5.2 Cooling options
      3. 2.5.3 Power considerations
  6. Chapter 3. Supported features and functions
    1. 3.1 z15 I/O connectivity overview
    2. 3.2 Storage connectivity
      1. 3.2.1 zHyperLink Express
      2. 3.2.2 FICON features
    3. 3.3 Network connectivity
    4. 3.4 Clustering connectivity
    5. 3.5 Server Time Protocol
    6. 3.6 Compression options
      1. 3.6.1 Compression coprocessor
      2. 3.6.2 IBM Integrated Accelerator for zEnterprise Data Compression
    7. 3.7 Cryptographic features
      1. 3.7.1 CP Assist for Cryptographic Function
      2. 3.7.2 Crypto Express7S
      3. 3.7.3 Crypto Express6S and Crypto Express5S (carry forward only)
    8. 3.8 Virtual Flash Memory
    9. 3.9 Hardware Management Console and Support Element
  7. Chapter 4. IBM z15 system design strengths
    1. 4.1 Technology improvements
      1. 4.1.1 System capacity
      2. 4.1.2 Processor design highlights
      3. 4.1.3 Memory
    2. 4.2 Virtualization
      1. 4.2.1 Hardware virtualization
      2. 4.2.2 Hybrid multicloud environments
    3. 4.3 Capacity and performance
      1. 4.3.1 Capacity settings
      2. 4.3.2 Capacity on-demand
      3. 4.3.3 z15 performance
    4. 4.4 Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability
      1. 4.4.1 RAS capability for the Support Element
      2. 4.4.2 RAS capability for the Hardware Management Console
    5. 4.5 High availability with Parallel Sysplex
    6. 4.6 Pervasive encryption
      1. 4.6.1 IBM Data Privacy Passports
      2. 4.6.2 Secure Service Container
  8. Chapter 5. Operating system support
    1. 5.1 Software support summary
      1. 5.1.1 Operating system summary
      2. 5.1.2 Application development and languages
      3. 5.1.3 IBM compilers
    2. 5.2 Support by operating system
      1. 5.2.1 z/OS
      2. 5.2.2 z/VM
      3. 5.2.3 z/VSE
      4. 5.2.4 z/TPF
      5. 5.2.5 Linux on IBM Z
      6. 5.2.6 KVM hypervisor
    3. 5.3 Software licensing
    4. 5.4 References
  9. Back cover

Product information

  • Title: IBM z15 Technical Introduction
  • Author(s): Bill White, Octavian Lascu, John Troy, Jannie Houlbjerg, Frank Packheiser, Paul Schouten, Kazuhiro Nakajima, Anna Shugol, Hervey Kamga, Bo XU
  • Release date: October 2019
  • Publisher(s): IBM Redbooks
  • ISBN: 9780738458021