Overview
Advanced AI where you need it most
IBM Z® is a family of modern infrastructure powered by the IBM Telum® processor that runs enterprise operating systems and IBM Z software delivering greater AI accuracy, productivity and agility.
IBM Z Enterprise Simplification Roadmap
| 2026 Foundation & automation | 2027 Integration & intelligence | 2028 Autonomous operations |
INFRASTRUCTURE & AUTOMATION | API-first infrastructure management Automate infrastructure and guest layers with Infrastructure-as-Code View deliverables | Cross-platform Everything-as-Code Expand consistent automation across z/OS and Linux environments View deliverables | Unified infrastructure experience Single API + UX with lifecycle-aware operations View deliverables |
CONFIGURATION & INTELLIGENCE | Configuration-as-Code AI-guided, API-driven configuration simplification View deliverables | Intent-driven orchestration AI-assisted workflows for compliance and lower-risk change View deliverables | Autonomous operations Closed-loop remediation, optimization and drift management View deliverables |
SYSTEM CONTEXT & EXPERTISE | Always-current z/OS map Shared system context for patches, audits, compliance and health checks View deliverables | Expanded system intelligence Support upgrades, capacity planning and modernization View deliverables | Persona-based expert guidance Agentic guidance turns intent into auditable action View deliverables |
Enterprise simplification for IBM Z
2026 Foundation & automation | 2027 Integration & intelligence | 2028 Autonomous operations |
| Automate infrastructure with Infrastructure-as-Code Automate configurations across infrastructure and guest layers to consistently operate resources and I/O. Learn more | Expand Infrastructure-as-Code across platforms Extend consistent automation across z/OS and Linux environments, including infrastructure tooling, configuration, I/O and complex Learn more | Deliver a unified infrastructure experience Provide a single API and user experience built into future systems, with lifecycle-aware and abstracted infrastructure management. Learn more |
| Simplify z/OS configuration Configuration-as-Code with AI-guided, API-driven experiences that simplify configuration and task execution for system programmers Learn more | Enable intelligent orchestration Combine end-to-end Configuration-as-Code with AI-assisted, intent-driven orchestration for more confident and agile operations. Learn more | Automate end-to-end operations Define, manage, control and operate infrastructure, operating systems, middleware and workloads with less dependence on specialized skills. Learn more |
| Automate and rehearse change Automate platform resources with Terraform and Ansible integrations, then rehearse changes in a governed environment before production. Learn more | Expand agentic workflows Create workflows spanning combinations of resources and end-to-end processes, such as storage additions and migrations. Learn more | Scale expertise with agentic guidance Use embedded agentic AI and plug-in tools for contextual recommendations that turn intent into auditable action. Learn more |
| Build an always-current mainframe map Create a shared model of the z/OS environment for patching, audits, regulatory compliance and health checks. Learn more | Extend system intelligence Expand the z/OS map to support upgrades, capacity planning, modernization knowledge and test environments. Learn more | Move toward autonomous operations Use learned patterns to identify workloads, recommend actions, simulate and test changes, validate outcomes and guide execution. Learn more |
INFRASTRUCTURE & AUTOMATION
API-first infrastructure management
Automate infrastructure and guest layers with Infrastructure-as-Code
View deliverables
Cross-platform Everything-as-Code
Expand consistent automation across z/OS and Linux environments
View deliverables
Unified infrastructure experience
Single API + UX with lifecycle-aware operations
View deliverables
CONFIGURATION & INTELLIGENCE
Configuration-as-Code
AI-guided, API-driven configuration simplification
View deliverables
Intent-driven orchestration
AI-assisted workflows for compliance and lower-risk change
View deliverables
Autonomous operations
Closed-loop remediation, optimization and drift management
View deliverables
SYSTEM CONTEXT & EXPERTISE
Always-current z/OS map
Shared system context for patches, audits, compliance and health checks
View deliverables
Expanded system intelligence
Support upgrades, capacity planning and modernization
View deliverables
Persona-based expert guidance
Agentic guidance turns intent into auditable action
View deliverables
*Prices shown are indicative, may vary by country, exclude any applicable taxes and duties, and are subject to product offering availability in a locale.
IBM z17 server
IBM z16 server
IBM z17
IBM z17™ delivers built‑in AI that accelerates developer productivity and shrinks modernization timelines. With built-in AI acceleration and a fully integrated stack, teams can understand, optimize, and evolve critical applications faster, turning complexity into continuous progress.
IBM z16
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.
Features
Core Capabilities
The modern mainframe boosts productivity with up to 8x on-chip AI processors per core for real-time insights and accuracy. The IBM z17 server platform integrates AI and breakthrough tech, ensuring top security, performance and availability.
Hardware
Software
Create a singular advantage from multiple angles
Improve systems management, IT operations and operational resiliency with AI on the mainframe.
Use AI and machine learning to convert data from every transaction into real-time insights with IBM Z.
Use DevOps to accelerate the delivery of hybrid cloud solutions while optimizing workload deployment.
Integrate IBM Z into your hybrid cloud to deliver innovation with greater productivity.
Modernize applications faster and enhance productivity with standardized practices and AI‑driven insights.
Maintain uninterrupted operations, safeguard sensitive data and defend against evolving cyberthreats.
IBM Z mainframes run on z/OS®, Linux®, z/TPF, and z/VM®, delivering AI integration, security, and resiliency.
Reduce energy consumption by consolidating selected x86 workloads onto a single physical IBM Z system.
Operating systems
Multiple operating systems can be deployed in a single system to enable greater efficiency and co-location of workloads.
Case studies
Real stories. Real impact.
Z‑first modernization with cyber resiliency
Broadridge and IBM advanced a Z first modernization that retains IBM Z as the secure, high-volume backbone for regulated processing. IBM Z Cyber Vault was added to create isolated, integrity checked copies that support clean recovery without reworking the integrated stack.
Resources
Product resource hub
Explore expert resources to see how IBM Z can deliver high performance, security, resiliency, and efficiency for modern workloads in your organization.