IBM has launched its latest mainframe computer, the Z17, which the company asserts has transformed the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) at scale. This next-generation mainframe is driven by the IBM Telum II processor and is specifically designed to manage complex workloads, including generative and agentic AI.
AI Capabilities and Performance
According to IBM, the Z17 enhances real-time transaction analytics for enterprises. It boasts a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Z16, processing 50% more AI inference operations daily. The Z17’s AI capabilities are facilitated by a second-generation on-chip AI accelerator integrated into the Telum II processor.
This accelerator features a higher frequency, increased compute capacity, and a cache that is 40% larger, allowing the Z17 to execute over 450 billion inferencing operations within a day, achieving response times of just one millisecond.
Enhanced AI Features
IBM plans to introduce the Spyre Accelerator later in the year, an addition that will further augment the Z17’s AI processing abilities. The collaboration between the Telum II and Spyre accelerators will enable the Z17 to implement multi-model AI. This enhancement will allow the system to run large language models (LLMs) and AI assistants securely, thereby expanding its capabilities in generative AI.
Operational Improvements with AIops
In conjunction with the Z17, IBM has introduced AIops functionalities, incorporating IBM Watsonx Code Assistant for Z and IBM Watsonx Assistant for Z. The latter will be integrated with Z Operations Unite, providing unprecedented AI chat-based incident detection and resolution using live system data.
IBM Z Operations Unite aggregates operational data from various sources across the IBM Z ecosystem in OpenTelemetry format, simplifying IT operations with AI. This tool enhances anomaly detection for administrators, significantly decreasing incident resolution times from hours to minutes through intelligent correlation of events.
Quantum Safe Encryption
IBM is also focusing on quantum-safe encryption with its latest developments. Tina Tarquinio, IBM’s chief product officer, stated that the company has incorporated quantum-safe encryption into the system and is providing new tools to assist clients in adopting this technology efficiently. The transition to quantum-safe solutions is described as a complex process, requiring a shift in encryption algorithms.