Archive for March 2016

When we classify computers according to size, speed and operation, main frame computer is in the second order as follows:

Super computer, mainframe computer, mini-computer and micro computer. But for the purpose of this tutorial, I’m going to focus on mainframe computer. So just what is a mainframe computer?

Mainframe computer defined

The mainframe computers are very large computers and they take up a large space. They are normally used by large organizations such as universities and research establishments where they supply general purpose computing facilities. Banks where large amount of information is collected, sorted and distributed also make use of mainframe computers. Hospitals, government offices and other large organizations also make use of mainframe computers. Because of their large nature, they are colloquially referred to as ‘big iron’

Features of mainframe computers

They are extremely large and occupy large floor space.

Their functional units are physically spread.

They are general purpose processors capable of handling multiple simultaneous functions such as batch processing, interactive and transaction processing under the control of an operating system.

They support a wide range of peripheral equipment, such as printers, including high speed devices and communication lines.

They are normally housed in air conditioned rooms surrounded by security measures, run by teams of professional operators.

They have large memories with several disk units.

They are used for processing bulk data.

Brief History of mainframe computers

The first group of manufactures to produce mainframe computers is known as IBM. IBM invented the first generation mainframe in the 1950s and was known as (IBM 700 series). The first of its kind was the IBM 705 released in 1954.

By the 1960s, IBM developed the 2^nd generation model 7000s. This model used transistors. The second generation was a standardized mainframe which made it easier for customers to write business application without needing specialized hardware or software. Unlike the first generation that came without software and programs were manually initiated.

Then came the development of the 360 mainframe series (all round computing), which marked the beginning of the 3G first general purpose computers. The IBM System/360 (S/360) was a centralized server PC framework family reported by IBM on April 7, 1964, and conveyed somewhere around 1965 and 1978. It was the primary group of PCs intended to cover the complete scope of uses, from little to expansive, both business and commercial. The outline made a reasonable qualification amongst engineering and execution, permitting IBM to discharge a suite of perfect plans at various costs. Everything except the contrary model 44 and the most costly frameworks utilized microcode to actualize the direction set, which included 8-bit byte tending to and double, decimal and (hexadecimal) skimming point counts.

Pros of mainframe computers

The Mainframes have energized the development of worldwide ventures in the course of recent years and are ready to serve for many more years.

Mainframes shape the world by remaining focused front line of advanced technological changes. There are various reasons that mainframes have been the innovative spine of enormous organizations for so long.

Mainframe computers are very durable and can run for years without getting worn out and needing repairs, a strength which makes it the world’s favorite.

You can use any kind of software on it.

They can serve many users simultaneously.

Mainframes are more reliable largely due to their availability. (99.99% up time) They can recover from system breakdown on their own without affecting the entire working system.

Its compatibility with C/C++, COBOL, JAVA/J2EE, Assembler, REXX, Shell script, Fortran and languages from 1960 to now is a wonderful advantage.

There’s no record of virus or malware attacks in the entire history of mainframes.

They process data run applications at high speed which is good for business.

Mainframe computers are designed with extensive compatibility to store data securely which is good for large organizations where confidentiality is essential.

They are compatible with any kind of software.

Cons of mainframe computers

Mainframe computers are highly expensive; hence, only large organizations can maintain the cost.

They are very big, heavy and occupy a large space.

They generate heat

Because of its complexities many companies are switching to sever operation.

It is more complicated and difficult to set up.

Mainframes are accessed through the terminals and installing these terminals can be both expensive and time consuming.Mainframe hardware takes a lot of space compared to other computers. This is one of the reasons why small establishments may to be able to use them. However, the problem is not as severe as it was in the earlier times as modern machines are small.

Modern mainframe computers

In the modern time IMB is credited with manufacturing most of the mainframe computers. There are the IMB z series- system z9 and system z10. Other manufactures include: Hewlett Packard, Unisys, Fujitsu, and NEC.

The announcement of the System z9 in July of 2005 gave a solid blend of past mainframe attributes in addition to new capacities composed around adaptability, accessibility, and security. IBM further upgraded the abilities of the System z9 by optimized capacity settings with sub capacity central processors (CPs), the accessibility of the new System z9 Integrated Information Processor (zIIP), and modifications for FICON® performance and throughput. With the availability of new capacity settings, the System z9 has enough server range to meet the needs of businesses spanning mid-range companies to large enterprises.

The system z9CE (enterprise Class) has five models as follows: S08, S18, S28, S38, and S54. The last two digits of each model stands for the maximum number of PUs available for purchase.

A Brief overview of system z10 mainframe

The z10 EC provides a record level of capacity over the previous System z servers, achieved by both increasing the performance of the individual processor units and increasing the number of processor units (PUs) per server. The increased performance and the total system capacity available, along with possible energy savings, offer the opportunity to continue to consolidate diverse applications on a single platform and turn it into real financial savings. New features help to ensure that System z10 EC is an innovative, security-rich platform that can help maximize resource exploitation and utilization, and can help provide the ability to integrate applications and data across the enterprise IT infrastructure. IBM continues its technology leadership with the z10 EC. The server is built using IBM modular multibank design that supports one to four books per server. The book contains a Multi-Chip Module (MCM), which hosts the newly designed CMOS 11S processor units, storage control chips, and high-z connectors for I/O. This approach enables many of the high-availability and nondestructive operations capabilities that differentiate it from other servers. In addition, a new system I/O bus takes advantage of the InfiniBand technology, which is also exploited in coupling links.