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The Integrated Facility for Linux® (IFL) is a central processor (CP) dedicated to Linux workloads.
The attractively priced IFL processor enables you to purchase additional processing capacity exclusively for Linux workloads, without affecting the MSU rating or the IBM System z™ model designation. This means that an IFL will not increase charges for System z software running on general purpose (standard) processors in the server.
The IFL hardware feature is isolated from general use. It is supported by z/VM®, the Linux operating system and Linux applications, and cannot run other IBM operating systems.
Highlights
| Linux workload on the IFL does not result in any increased IBM software charges for the traditional System z operating systems and middleware |
| An IFL has the functionality of a general purpose System z processor and operates on full capacity |
| The IFL price for the new IBM System z9 Business Class (z9 BC) servers is now $95K
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| The consistent IFL price for the System z generations, beside the lower IFL price for z9 BC, can deliver price/performance gains with each successive generation of technology |
| z/VM V4/V5 and most IBM middleware products that run on Linux on System z are priced per processor |
| Many software vendors have adopted the IBM pricing model for the traditional and Linux workloads |
The IFL is available for the recently introduced IBM System z Business Class (z9 BC), the System z9 Enterprise Class (z9 EC), zSeries 990 (z990), zSeries 900 (z900), zSeries 890 (z890), and zSeries 800 (z800).
The IFL has the same functionality as a general purpose CP on a System z server. Support for On/Off Capacity on Demand (O/O CoD), Capacity Upgrade on Demand for the nondisruptive addition of one or more IFLs, and Capacity BackUp (CBU) for emergency situations.
HiperSockets™ can be used for communication between Linux images, or Linux and other operating system images on the same System z system.
The IFL provides a full capacity processor, independent of the capacity of the general purpose CPs; IFLs are designed to operate asynchronously with general purpose CPs.
IFLs are managed by PR/SM™ in logical partition with dedicated or shared processors CPs. The implementation of an IFL requires a Logical Partition (LPAR) definition, following normal LPAR activation procedure, and an LPAR defined with an IFL cannot be shared with a general purpose processor.
IFLs are ordered as hardware features, and they are unique to System z. The number of orderable IFL features varies by the server model and configuration.
Use Linux to leverage legendary System z mainframe robustness and processes
Running Linux on the System z mainframe is an ideal
- Platform for efficient and effective infrastructure simplification.
- Linux platform to provide the security, flexibility, scalability, resiliency and integration needed to respond to the demands of this dynamic marketplace.
The dedicated IBM System z Linux server
A dedicated System z Linux server is available, meaning that all processors are IFLs on this server. A dedicated System z Linux server is ideal for the consolidation of work typically handled by UNIX® and Microsoft® Windows® servers; it is offering a total solution for the infrastructure simplification on Linux.
The pictures below illustrates that adding one or more IFLs to the processing capacity has no effect on the System z model designation. In this example, a traditional System z environment with 3 general purpose processors, adds additional workspace and software in an IFL but still reports its System z capacity. Consequently, executing Linux workload on the IFL does not result in any increase in monthly license charges for the IBM operating systems or IBM software running on the general purpose processor.
Traditional System z environment – business as usual
- Typical z/OS®, z/VM, z/VSE™ environment on general purpose processors
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One IFL added
- Software cost remains the same for traditional System z environment on CPs
- Cost for IFL
- Software cost for z/VM and Linux distribution
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- Open source applications such as Apache and Samba included in cost for the Linux distribution
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Multiple IFLs and IBM software added
- Software cost remains the same for traditional System z environment
- Cost for multiple IFLs
- Software cost for z/VM and Linux distribution
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- Open source applications such as Apache and Samba included in cost for the Linux distribution
- Software cost for IBM middleware (z/VM, DB2 Connect™ and WebSphere®), processor-based pricing
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Moreover, your software vendor may be among those software vendors who have adopted this IBM model for the hardware workspace dedicated to Linux. To determine if the vendor software charges for existing System z applications on your System z servers is unaffected by adding the IFL to the server, please contact your software vendor.
z/VM, most IBM Linux middleware products, and most vendor software products are priced per processor according to the System z IBM International Program License Agreement (IPLA). IPLA products have a one-time-charge (OTC) and an annual (optional) maintenance charge, called Subscription & Support.
The IFL price for the new IBM System z9 Business Class (z9 BC) servers is now $95K
1. This is a 24% reduction when compared to previous generations and other System z servers that are currently priced at $125K
1. In addition to this price reduction on the z9 BC, all IFLs should continue to deliver a significant price/performance that comes with successive generations of technology and capacity improvements.
Aside from the reduced price for the IFL on the new z9 BC, the $125K
1 price of the IFL remains the same for all other System z servers, including the IBM System z9 Enterprise Class (z9 EC). However, since the performance of the IFL engine increased compared to previous generations, you get a price/performance improvement for Linux workload with each successive generation of technology.
Some environments may realize lower and other environments higher improvements, depending on the z9 server model being upgraded.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact your IBM sales representative or IBM Business Partner or request a quote. Visit us at
ibm.com/linux
1US price, prices may vary in other countries
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