IBM has launched new configurations for its IBM z17 and IBM LinuxONE 5 families in the form of rack-mount options in addition to the familiar single frame options for the first time within all its Z and LinuxONE environments. This will give companies more ways to deploy systems, designed to offer the same leading performance, security, and open environment standards. These new options will enable companies to place their key hardware wherever they feel appropriate.
Modern enterprises processing sensitive, large-scale workloads are navigating unprecedented real estate challenges. According to CBRE’s 2026 Global Data Center Trend Report, data center vacancies have hit record lows, while rental expenses have surged past $400 per kW/month. Concurrently, businesses require resilient infrastructure that can maximize computing density without compromising the core applications driving their operations. The introduction of IBM z17 and LinuxONE 5 single-frame and rack-mount systems addresses these constraints directly, helping organizations optimize physical space to better navigate today’s macroeconomic landscape.
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“The number of mission-critical workloads is rising at an incredible pace, forcing organizations to make tough decisions about performance, AI integration, and infrastructure footprint,” said Tom McPherson, General Manager, IBM Z and LinuxONE. “With these new IBM Z and IBM LinuxONE systems, we’re making it easier to run workloads where they make the most sense, while opening the door for a wider range of organizations to benefit from these technologies for the first time.”
Engineered for Maximum Data Center Adaptability
The updated IBM z17 and IBM LinuxONE 5 architectures accommodate up to 82 cores and 18 TB of memory within a dual-processor drawer configuration, representing an approximate 20% growth in core capacity and a 12% boost in memory volume. On a single-processor basis, the IBM z17 ME2 variation delivers fully optimized IBM z/OS processing capabilities, achieving up to a 10% throughput improvement per core compared to the predecessor IBM z16 A02, depending on specific customer workloads and system setups.
This launch allows IT administrators to co-locate IBM hardware right alongside third-party equipment, facilitating custom, fit-for-purpose layouts. Every configuration is optimized to reclaim valuable real estate, increase power efficiency, and integrate into existing operations smoothly:
- IBM z17 Single Frame: An all-encompassing package with its own proprietary IBM rack and intelligent power distribution units (iPDUs). This solution comes as a single-packaged system and also allows customers to fit additional non-IBM technology within the same frame.
- IBM z17 Rack Mount: An option that enables businesses to integrate IBM Z architecture into their current industry-standard server racks.
- IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper 5: An extremely high scalability and multi-drawer system that is capable of handling large load densities. This solution comes in single frame and rack-mount configurations and offers inbuilt artificial intelligence (AI) acceleration, confidential computing, and post-quantum cryptography.
- IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper 5 Rack Mount & Express: Available in a small 18U configuration, these solutions allow businesses to get enterprise-class Linux, confidential computing, and hardware-based AI acceleration in one system.
Serving as an economical entry point for businesses managing smaller initial workloads, the configuration easily scales alongside corporate growth while prioritizing uptime and protection.
Mirroring the baseline IBM z17 and LinuxONE 5 hardware revealed last year, these newer form factors feature advanced multi-model AI inferencing powered by the IBM Telum® II processor, Red Hat OpenShift AI, and the IBM Spyre™ Accelerator, enabling real-time predictive and generative AI within transactional workflows.
Boosting Operational Value at the Core
To complement the updated physical footprints, IBM has introduced new management utilities and software enhancements designed to streamline hybrid cloud operations, lower the technical barriers to platform administration, and extract deeper value from active corporate workloads.
- IBM Infrastructure Management for Z and LinuxONE: Brings together system provisioning, configuration, and operation. Companies have the opportunity to make use of Terraform and the principles of IaC to automate hardware provisioning and configuration using a simple visualization of the infrastructure, thus reducing the need for platform experts.
- IBM COBOL Elevate for z/OS: This product is due to be released on September 18 and makes application modernization and improved performance of COBOL applications on z17 much easier. It helps companies to squeeze more out of their legacy systems without having to rewrite them entirely or hire additional developers.
- The Next Generation Cyber Security: PQC comes built-in to all z17 and LinuxONE Rockhopper 5 environments. Secure with confidential computing and enterprise secrets management, the new IBM Crypto Discovery & Inventory solution helps security teams monitor their encryption posture in order to be ready for changes in post-quantum security requirements.
“With the emergence of generative AI methods, we need the highest levels of performance, efficiency, resiliency and security to safely hold, and process the sensitive datasets,” said Dr. Owain Kenway, Head of Research and Development (Platform Technologies) in ARC at University College London. “The new IBM LinuxONE 5 single frame, rack mount, and Express models enable organizations like us to access advanced technologies at cost-effective prices, and help our academic teams deliver outstanding research.”
