IBM z16
Powered by Telum with real-time AI inferencing with on-chip fraud detection
Learn about IBM z16 (1:38) Try the TCO calculator
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AI and cyber resiliency redefined

IBM z16™ is the latest IBM Z® mainframe with on-chip AI inferencing and quantum-safe technologies, powered by the IBM® Telum™ processor. It features integrated AI accelerators for unmatched speed, scale, and low latency. Available in single-frame, multiframe, or rack mount configurations, it supports hybrid cloud and workload optimization.

Read the configuration guide Read the technical guide
Real-time insights

Accelerated AI for real-time data analysis and proactive business strategies.

Enhanced security

Quantum-safe encryption and advanced features protect against current and future threats.

Sustainability

Energy-efficient design reduces costs and environmental impact.

Simplified scalability

Seamlessly handles growing workloads with unmatched performance and flexibility.

Features

Accelerated AI integration Harness on-chip AI acceleration and run inferencing for high-volume workloads at scale and low latency by using the IBM Telum processor and integrated accelerator, ideal for detecting fraud and more. Explore fraud prevention on IBM z16
Advanced security features IBM z16 provides advanced, multi-layered security to protect data at rest, in transit, and in use. With built-in encryption, secure cryptographic processors, and quantum-safe technology, it secures critical workloads and supports regulatory compliance. Explore advanced security features Enhance your security with software
Quantum-safe encryption Use advanced encryption to protect data from future quantum threats. Implement quantum-safe cryptography to secure your digital future. Start your journey with the crypto discovery capability in IBM Application Discovery and Delivery Intelligence (ADDI). Explore quantum-safe for IBM Z Explore the ADDI crypto discovery capability
High availability IBM z16 helps ensure continuous operation with minimal downtime, providing reliable performance. With IBM Flexible Capacity for Cyber Resiliency, manage capacity across locations and transfer workloads on demand to avoid service disruptions proactively. Explore Flexible Capacity for Cyber Resiliency Read how to get started
Energy efficiency Consolidating Linux® workloads on 5 IBM z16 systems can reduce energy consumption by 75% and CO2e emissions by over 850 metric tons annually(2). Monitor and manage your power consumption at the partition level with the enhanced environmental dashboard and API. Explore sustainability with z16
Accelerated AI integration Harness on-chip AI acceleration and run inferencing for high-volume workloads at scale and low latency by using the IBM Telum processor and integrated accelerator, ideal for detecting fraud and more. Explore fraud prevention on IBM z16
Advanced security features IBM z16 provides advanced, multi-layered security to protect data at rest, in transit, and in use. With built-in encryption, secure cryptographic processors, and quantum-safe technology, it secures critical workloads and supports regulatory compliance. Explore advanced security features Enhance your security with software
Quantum-safe encryption Use advanced encryption to protect data from future quantum threats. Implement quantum-safe cryptography to secure your digital future. Start your journey with the crypto discovery capability in IBM Application Discovery and Delivery Intelligence (ADDI). Explore quantum-safe for IBM Z Explore the ADDI crypto discovery capability
High availability IBM z16 helps ensure continuous operation with minimal downtime, providing reliable performance. With IBM Flexible Capacity for Cyber Resiliency, manage capacity across locations and transfer workloads on demand to avoid service disruptions proactively. Explore Flexible Capacity for Cyber Resiliency Read how to get started
Energy efficiency Consolidating Linux® workloads on 5 IBM z16 systems can reduce energy consumption by 75% and CO2e emissions by over 850 metric tons annually(2). Monitor and manage your power consumption at the partition level with the enhanced environmental dashboard and API. Explore sustainability with z16
Configurations
Choose from three IBM z16 configurations Multiframe IBM z16 A01

This configuration is designed for general-purpose use, offering a balance of performance, scalability and security suitable for a wide range of applications.

Single frame IBM z16 A02

This configuration is optimized for enhanced modularity and is available in a traditional factory-frame setup. It provides advanced capabilities and is ideal for environments requiring a robust and scalable solution within an industry-standard footprint.

Rack mount IBM z16 AGZ

This rack-mounted configuration allows for installation in existing data center rack infrastructures, providing flexibility and integration with current systems. It combines IBM Z's strengths with the convenience of modern rack-mounted hardware.

Maximum number of engines

200

68

68

Maximum number of drawers

4

2

2

Maximum number of IO drawers

12

3

3

Number of frames

1 to 4

1

No frame

Colocate with storage/switch

No

No

Yes

Frequency

5.2 GHz

4.6 GHz

4.6 GHz

Telum chip

Yes

Yes

Yes

Maximum memory

40 TB

16 TB

16 TB

Sizes

39, 82, 125, 168 and 200

5, 16, 32 and 68

5, 16, 32 and 68

      

Case studies
Delivering real-time insights at scale

Banking software provider, Zafin, relies on IBM z16 for real-time pricing to help banks increase profitability.

See the Zafin case study (2:00)
Creating exceptional experiences

Pricing and billing company, SunTec, uses IBM z16 to create a breakthrough customer-first solution for banks.

See the SunTec case study (1:51)
Accelerating time-to-market

Software AG and IBM z16 help clients knock down silos and quickly modernize existing workloads.

See the Software AG case study (1:58)

Resources

Use generative AI for accelerated and simplified modernization on the IBM mainframe.

Learn how to transition to quantum-safe cryptography on IBM Z and protect data from future quantum threats.

Realize low-latency AI on a highly trustworthy and secure enterprise system: the modernized IBM mainframe.

Reduce losses in banking, cards and payments by operationalizing fraud prevention on IBM z16.

Take the next step

Discover why IBM z16™ is recognized for its security, resiliency, performance and scale. Schedule a no-cost 30-minute meeting with an IBM Z representative.

Technical introduction guide
More ways to explore Documentation Read the data sheet Support Support and services
Footnotes

¹ IBM z16 with the Crypto Express 8S card provides quantum-safe APIs, providing access to quantum-safe algorithms, which have been selected as finalists during the PQC standardization process conducted by NIST. Source: https://csrc.nist.gov/Projects/post-quantum-cryptography/post-quantum-cryptography-standardization/round-3-submissions. Quantum-safe cryptography refers to efforts to identify algorithms resistant to attacks by classical and quantum computers. This aims to keep information assets secure even after a large-scale quantum computer has been built. Source: https://www.etsi.org/technologies/quantum-safe-cryptography. These algorithms help with the integrity of several firmware and boot processes. IBM z16 is the industry-first system protected by quantum-safe technology across multiple firmware layers.

Consolidating Linux workloads on 5 IBM z16 systems can reduce energy consumption by 75%, space by 50% and the CO2e footprint by over 850 metric tons annually.

DISCLAIMER: Compared 5 IBM Machine Type 3931 Max 125 model consists of three CPC drawers containing 125 configurable cores (CPs, zIIPs or IFLs) and two I/O drawers to support both network and external storage versus 192 x86 systems with a total of 10364 cores. IBM Machine Type 3931 power consumption was based on inputs to the IBM Machine Type 3931 IBM Power Estimation Tool for a memo configuration. Power consumption of x86 was based on March 2022 IDC QPI power values for 7 Cascade Lake and 5 Ice Lake server models, with 32 to 112 cores per server. All compared x86 servers were 2- or 4-socket servers. IBM Z and x86 are running 24 x 7 x 365 with production and nonproduction workloads. Savings assumes a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ratio of 1.57 to calculate more power for data center cooling. PUE is based on Uptime Institute 2021 Global Data Center Survey. CO2e and other equivalencies that are based on the EPA GHG calculator use US National weighted averages. Results might vary based on client-specific usage and location.