IBM tweaks its z14 mainframe to make it a better physical fit for the data center

IBM is widening its mainframe range with some narrower models – ZR1 and Rockhopper II – that are skinny enough to fit in a standard 19-inch rack, which will answer criticisms of potential customers that the hulking z14 introduced in July 2017 too big to fit in their data centers (see photo above).

In addition to new, smaller, packaging for its z14 hardware, IBM is also introducing Secure Service Container technology. This makes use of the z14’s encryption accelerator and other security capabilities to protect containerized applications from unwanted interference.

When IBM introduced the z14 last July, with an accelerator to make encrypting information standard practice in the data center, there was one problem: The mainframe’s two-door cabinet was far too deep and too wide to fit in standard data center aisles.

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