IBM Extends Mainframe Reach Deeper Into the Data Center
Techstrong IT, Tuesday, July 7th, 2026
IBM launches rack-mountable z17 and LinuxONE 5 configs to fit mainframes into standard data centers.
IBM unveiled new z17 and LinuxONE 5 mainframe configurations featuring rack-mounted systems designed to integrate into existing data centers.
The platforms deliver up to 82 cores and 18 TB of memory - about 20% more cores and 12% more memory than prior generations. Offerings include the z17 single frame with intelligent power distribution, the first IBM Z mainframe able to fit into customer-owned racks, and the LinuxONE Rockhopper 5 in an 18U configuration.
IBM also introduced Infrastructure Management provisioning tools, COBOL optimization software, and standard post-quantum cryptography. Starting at $165,000 for LinuxONE, the additions aim to cut IT infrastructure costs via consolidation while the platform still processes 87% of the world's transactions.