IBM® Open Enterprise SDK for Python is a Python compiler and interpreter for IBM z/OS®.
The Python programming language provides a powerful framework for building fast and scalable applications for z/OS, with a rich ecosystem of modules to develop new applications the same way you would on any other platform.
IBM Open Enterprise SDK for Python helps you support your z/OS applications written in Python. Use it to modernize your critical applications by developing APIs, plugins and wrappers to extend business critical applications for faster delivery.
Use one of the most popular and fastest growing programming languages on z/OS. You can interoperate with EBCDIC and UTF encodings using the included Python codecs package.
Perform advanced data analysis with the most popular Python packages right on the platform where the data is stored.
Automate applications and IT infrastructure using Python via Ansible and manage your z/OS resources the same way you would on any other platform.
Use Z Open Automation Utilities to exploit existing infrastructure and interact with datasets, submit JCL and more.
With over 400,000 Python packages, take advantage of Python’s rich ecosystem of modules and packages to develop and run new applications faster with fewer lines of code.
Leverage your existing pool of resources to easily build end-to-end applications in the same language, regardless of platform knowledge.
Bring the modern Python programming language to the z/OS platform. Python is an easy-to-learn, high-level, interpreted and general-purpose dynamic programming language that focuses on code readability, enabling you to build fast and scalable applications. Take advantage of the co-location of your data and existing applications on IBM Z® to increase throughput and reduce response time. You can control which data will be exposed externally, while keeping your confidential data secure on the Z platform.
Access to the Python Standard Library provides you with an extensive set of functions that can save development resources and reduce costs when creating applications. The library includes highly used programming tasks in areas like string operations, cryptology, threading, networking, internet and web service tools, operating system interfaces, and protocols. Developers can make use of these modules to fulfill common application tasks, allowing them to concentrate on implementing business functions while writing fewer lines of code.
In addition to the Python Standard Library, access a growing collection of several thousand freely available Python community modules and frameworks (from individual programs and components to packages and even entire application development frameworks). These modules are available from the Python Package Index.
Using Python's codecs package – the standard Python encoding facilities – you can produce and consume data in EBCDIC, UTF, and a number of other encodings.
Optional priced world-class IBM Subscription and Support is only available with the SMP/E edition.
Leverage zIIP specialty processor to offload Python workload that normally runs on the main processor and reduce cost, accelerate digital transformation, and free up CPU resources.
Technical details
Software requirements
- z/OS 2.5 (5650-ZOS)
- z/OS 2.4 (5650-ZOS)
Hardware requirements
- z16™
- z15™
- IBM z14®, Model ZR1 (z14 ZR1)
- z13®/z13s®
- zEnterprise® EC12/BC12
The pax download format is popular in UNIX environments, including z/OS UNIX System Services, and offers similar user experience. SMP/E installable images and their fix packs can be managed by the SMP/E software installation and maintenance tool on z/OS. Take advantage of IBM support to open service requests, which are addressed in documented turnaround times with optional S&S.
pax archive installable format which is consistent with distributed platforms.
SMP/E (CBPDO, ServerPac) installable format can easily manage updates. Recommended for production deployments. Both license and S&S available through Shopz.
No license charge
Yes
Yes
Run your own applications
Full functionality
IBM Software Subscription and Support (S&S)
No
Optional
Application developers on z/OS can use one of the fastest growing programming languages natively on the platform.
Get a better understanding of how to install and configure version 3.11 of the SMP/E edition for use with z/OS.
Get a better understanding of how to install and configure version 3.11 of the PAX edition for use with z/OS.
Explore the organization behind Python, which supports and facilitates the growth of a diverse and international Python community.
Discover how IBM Open Enterprise SDK for Python impacts Ansible® on IBM Z.
Learn more about Pandas, a free and open-source Python package used for data manipulation and analysis.
A step-by-step guide to use Python to connect to Db2, without the data ever leaving the system.
Learn some easy-to-implement use cases such as data manipulation, web development, streamlining automation, continuous integration and more.
IBM Z Open Automation Utilities (ZOAU) is a set of tools designed to help bridge the gap between a traditional z/OS system and IBM z/OS UNIX System Services by providing equivalent utilities to many UNIX commands that can operate on z/OS specific file types.
Learn how to order Python on z/OS from ShopZ.
Learn the popular installation scenarios showing common use cases and best practices.
Learn how to install PyPI packages in a no internet environment step-by-step by using pip, a the package manager.
Discover how to properly structure a Python package and how to use the development environment to create the package.
Discover how Python AI Toolkit for IBM z/OS delivers industry leading AI Python packages, backed by IBM supply chain security, and makes them available on z/OS.
Chart your journey to open data analytics and derive new insights and advantages from each transaction.
Learn how to use the libraries provided with IBM Open Enterprise SDK for Python in virtual environments, and how to use pip for dependency management.
Visit the IBM Open Enterprise SDK for Python playlist to watch more videos.
A new product that delivers industry leading AI Python packages and makes them available on z/OS.
Get the underlying runtime necessary to support executing automation tasks on z/OS via Java, Python, and shell commands.
Use the de facto language to develop Ansible modules and streamline automation operations for your hybrid IT environment.
Bring AI to your transactional applications on IBM zSystems and deploy your AI models on z/OS for real-time business insights at scale.
Enable cloud-native development and testing for z/OS on IBM Cloud as your own protected space with the security of a private cloud and the agility of a public cloud.
IBM Open Enterprise SDK for Python is included in IBM Z and Cloud Modernization Stack, a modernization solution for extending applications, and data on IBM zSystems with hybrid cloud environments through the Red Hat® OpenShift® Container Platform.
Frequently asked questions
It is available with no license charge. Overall costs to deploy on z/OS can be reduced as workloads may be eligible to use the New Application Solution pricing model for new production workloads on z13® and later.
Optional Subscription and Support is available for SMP/E edition.
Subscription and Support is included in the IBM Z and Cloud Modernization Stack solution, without extra charge.
Starting with IBM Open Enterprise SDK for Python v3.11 with APAR PH52983, when accompanied with z/OS 2.4 or 2.5 APAR OA63406, Python applications will become eligible for execution on zIIP processors as described in The IBM Authorized Use Table for IBM Machines.
Learn more about ordering process at ShopZ, read the blog Streamlined Shopz ordering process for Python on z/OS.