IBM aims z10 mainframe at mid-sized firms

IBM describes its System z10 Business Class as 'smart, cool and very affordable'

IBM has launched its System z10 Business Class mainframe, described as the company's highest performing mainframe for mid-sized customers.

While the System z10 Enterprise Class mainframe was announced earlier this year, the new z10 Business Class (BC) machine will give smaller companies access to similar technology innovations, according to IBM.

The System z10 BC will have over 50 per cent more capacity and nearly four times the memory of its z9 BC predecessor, said Big Blue.

"Now with the introduction of our new z10 business class mainframe, clients have an incredibly efficient consolidation platform that is smart, cool and very affordable," said IBM System z general manager Anne Altman.

The new mainframe has a flexible capacity with up to 130 settings for running permanent and temporary workloads, and unique processors that expand the use of the mainframe for popular SAP, Linux and Java applications.

IBM Global Financing is offering the mainframe on a no-interest, no-payment programme for 90 days deferral in order to support qualified customers acquiring the new z10 BC now until the end of 2008.