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 2nd 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.
- 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.
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