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 and LinuxONE Enterprise Simplification Roadmap
Explore our roadmap to a unified mainframe experience for platform management and operations that is simple, intelligent, and easy to consume. This plan illustrates our intent to utilize automation, system intelligence and agentic AI to increase productivity, reduce skills requirements, and mitigate risk.
2026 Foundation & automation | 2027 Integration & intelligence | 2028 Policy-driven & governed |
| Manage with a unified automation-first control plane Enable a management control plane integrated with infrastructure as code for infrastructure and guest layer resources managed by automated workflows. IBM Infrastructure Management for Z and LinuxONE | Expand infrastructure as code across platforms Extend consistent automation across z/OS and Linux environments, including infrastructure tooling, configuration, I/O and complex environments. | Deliver a unified infrastructure experience Provide a single API and user experience built into future systems, with lifecycle-aware and abstracted infrastructure management. |
| Simplify z/OS configuration Configuration as code with AI-guided, API-driven experiences that simplify configuration and task execution for enterprise IT teams. Project Polaris Tech Preview | Enable intelligent orchestration Combine end-to-end configuration as code with AI-assisted, intent-driven orchestration for more confident and agile operations. | Automate end-to-end operations Define, manage, control and operate infrastructure, operating systems, middleware, and workloads with less dependence on specialized skills. |
| Automate with infrastructure as code Expand automation capabilities with native Terraform support, greater LPAR coverage across z/OS, Linux, and z/VM, as well as lifecycle automation. IBM Terraform Self-Managed for Z and LinuxONE | Utilize intent-driven workflows Deploy intent-driven workflows for new interaction models to modernize infrastructure operations through guided, repeatable agentic workflows. | Scale expertise with contextual agentic guidance Use embedded agentic AI with necessary guardrails and security for contextual recommendations. |
| Build an always-current mainframe map A foundational layer of IBM Z system intelligence that maps relationships and dependencies across infrastructure as well as applications to orchestrate complex changes. IBM Z Atlas | Orchestrate change with system intelligence Expand the z/OS map through learned patterns to identify workloads, recommend actions, simulate changes, validate outcomes, and guide execution. | Stress-test agentic workflows in safe environment Test and rehearse changes before deployment with agentic driven workflow creation in a safe and governed rehearsal environment. |
Statements regarding IBM’s future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice and represent goals and objectives only.
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.