IBM has unveiled the IBM z17, the latest evolution of its renowned mainframe series. It is designed to fully integrate cutting-edge AI capabilities across hardware, software, and systems operations. Engineered with the new IBM Telum® II processor, the z17 builds on the legacy of its predecessors while enabling a host of transformative new workloads.
IBM Z is designed to transform AI at scale, allowing businesses to process every transaction in real time. The z17 boosts innovation, handling 50% more AI operations daily than the z16. It supports over 250 AI applications, including loan risk analysis, chatbot management, medical image processing, and retail crime prevention, making it valuable across industries.
The IBM z17 results from five years of development, with over 300 patents filed. Built with client input and collaboration with IBM Research and Software teams, it features advanced AI capabilities, enhanced security, and tools to improve usability.
Its AI capabilities are powered by the IBM Telum® II processor, handling over 450 billion inferencing operations daily with millisecond response times. The upcoming IBM Spyre Accelerator (available late 2025) will further enhance AI performance, supporting generative AI and multi-model methods.
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The z17 boosts user experience with AI assistants like IBM Watsonx Code Assistant and Watsonx Assistant, which will integrate with Z Operations Unite for AI-driven incident detection and resolution.
Ross Mauri of IBM Z emphasized that z17 combines software, processing power, and storage to operationalize AI while securely utilizing enterprise data for cost-effective business solutions.
The IBM z17 is designed to integrate seamlessly into hybrid environments, combining advanced hardware, AI-powered software, and support for open standards. It enhances performance, reliability, and usability for developers and system operators. Key features include:
- Operating System for AI: The upcoming z/OS 3.2 (launching Q3 2025) will support hardware-accelerated AI, modern data access methods, and hybrid cloud processing for predictive business insights.
- Unified IT Operations: IBM Z Operations Unite (available May 2025) streamlines IT operations using AI to detect, isolate, and resolve issues faster.
- AI Acceleration: The IBM Spyre Accelerator (expected late 2025) will provide advanced AI capabilities, including generative AI, without moving sensitive data off the platform.
The z17 also strengthens security with tools like IBM Vault for secrets management, AI-powered data classification, and threat detection. It integrates with IBM Storage DS8000 for optimized, secure data handling. IBM z17 will be available from June 18, 2025, and its features aim to boost productivity, security, and scalability.
Source: Tech Explorist