IFL features and product details

Extensive processing capacity

The IBM z15 enterprise platform supports up to 190 user-configurable IFLs and up to 40 TB Redundant Array of Independent Memory (RAIM). IFL delivers the same functionality as a “standard” processor on an IBM Z enterprise platform. It is designed to operate asynchronously with standard processors.

Designed for performance

IFL supports enhanced Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT) and Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) technologies to improve performance capability. IFL is always a full capacity processor, independent of the capacity of the other processors on the server.

Flexibility to add IFLs

IFL technology supports On/Off Capacity on Demand (O/O CoD), Capacity Upgrade on Demand for the non-disruptive addition of one or more IFLs and Capacity BackUp (CBU) for emergency situations.

High speed communication

IBM Z® HiperSockets™ functionality provides high speed communication between logical partitions. HiperSockets can be used for communication between Linux images or Linux and the z/OS®, z/VSE® and z/TPF operating system images. Using Shared Memory Communication can further improve latency and throughput.

On chip acceleration for compression and encryption

z15 continues to implement acceleration directly onto the chip. The new IBM Integrated Accelerator for z Enterprise Data Compression (zEDC) can enable the reduction in size and also increase data transfer rates, with reduced CPU consumption. The dedicated cryptographic co-processor on each core provides hardware accelerated encryption of CPACF.

No affect to MSU rating

IFL does not increase charges for IBM Z software running on “standard” processors in the server. It does not affect the MSU rating or the IBM Z model designation. z/VM and IBM Wave, and most IBM Linux middleware products are priced per IFL with an one-time-charge and an annual, optional maintenance charge. Many software vendors have adopted the IBM pricing model for Linux workloads.

Widely available and supported

IFL is available for all models of z15, z14, z13, z13s®, IBM zEnterprise® EC12 (zEC12), IBM zEnterprise BC12 (zBC12). It can be ordered as an IBM Z hardware feature; the number of features varies by server model/configuration. It is supported by the Linux operating system for IBM Z, IBM z/VM, IBM Wave for z/VM, KVM and container technologies.

Manageable by PR/SM or IBM Dynamic Partition Manager

IFL is manageable by PR/SM™ or IBM Dynamic Partition Manager in logical partition (LPAR) with dedicated or shared processors. The implementation of IFL requires an LPAR definition, following normal LPAR activation procedures.

Customer case studies

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Government organization supports 24/7 judicial services cost-efficiently Supreme Court of Virginia

Supreme Court of Virginia
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Guaranteed performance and availability for efficient HR and Finance functions KRZ-SWD

KRZ-SWD
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