The elephant that learnt to dance [zSeries mainframes

Abstract

This paper reports on the resurgence of the mainframe computer despite earlier predictions that the future lay with the smaller UNIX or Wintel servers. This fundamental shift in mainframe economics has been attributed to several factors including the lower costs per MIPS (millions of instructions per second) and the support for Linux and open source software. To address the issue of an aging workforce, IBM has initiated training programs in zSeries-related skills for IT professionals in the US as well as in other emerging markets such as China.