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“Then you think, are Mainframes still that popular, are still needed, who on earth is still using them?

Reality is that today, behind the scenes, Mainframes are processing 300 Billion Transactions per day. Some comparative data: Google processes 3.5 Billion searches per day.

FACT: Did you know 92 of the top 100 banks in the world use the mainframe and they process 100% of all credit card transactions? FACT: IBM Mainframes can run for 40 years, 24/7, without failing. FACT: Nearly all Airline bookings are done on a Mainframe FACT: 23 of the top 25 US retailers use Mainframe FACT: 9 out of the top 10 insurance companies in the world use mainframe.

I've spent some time doing research to find out that, despite what some people claimed back in 2000ish, Mainframe is FAR AWAY from being dead, in fact, just the opposite.”

https://community.ibm.com/community/user/ibmz-and-linuxone/blogs/eduardo-ortega1/2021/03/04/ibm-z-ibm-power-systems-linuxone-and-other-wonders

IBM Mainframes

Summarize this topic in 40 paragraphs. Include URL to documentation if available along with the Wikipedia URL. Put a section heading for each paragraph. You MUST put double square brackets around each computer buzzword or jargon or technical words. Answer in MediaWiki syntax.

Certainly, I'll provide a comprehensive summary on IBM Mainframes in the MediaWiki syntax. This summary will cover various aspects including history, architecture, operating systems, and current relevance. Each paragraph will be organized under a specific heading for clarity.

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IBM Mainframes are high-performance computers designed for large-scale computing tasks, such as bulk data processing, enterprise resource planning, and transaction processing. Over the decades, IBM's mainframe computers have evolved significantly, adapting to the changing demands of business and technology.

The history of IBM Mainframes dates back to the 1950s, with the introduction of the IBM 701. These early systems were the precursors to the modern mainframe, demonstrating IBM's commitment to developing powerful and reliable computing solutions for businesses and government institutions.

Introduced in 1964, the IBM System/360 was a groundbreaking series of mainframe computers. It was the first to feature a series of compatible computers that covered a broad range of applications, from small businesses to large enterprises. This compatibility revolutionized the computing industry, setting a standard for future mainframe development.

The architecture of IBM Mainframes is designed to support high-volume input/output (I/O) operations, extensive processing power, and robust security features. Mainframe architecture includes unique components like the Central Processing Unit (CPU), storage devices, and specialized processors called System Assist Processors (SAPs).

Over the years, IBM Mainframes have supported various operating systems. The most notable among these is z/OS, a highly secure and scalable operating system designed for mission-critical applications. Other operating systems include Linux on IBM Z, VM, and VSE.

z/OS is specifically optimized for mainframe architecture, offering advanced security features, high availability, and scalability. It supports complex, high-volume transactions and is commonly used in finance, healthcare, and government sectors.

Linux on IBM Z offers the flexibility of the Linux operating system tailored for the mainframe environment. It allows users to take advantage of open-source software and tools, bringing modern applications to the mainframe platform.

IBM Mainframes feature advanced virtualization technologies, allowing multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single physical machine. This maximizes resource utilization and efficiency, making mainframes ideal for hosting large-scale, complex applications.

Security is a cornerstone of IBM Mainframe design. These systems feature comprehensive security measures, including hardware-based encryption, secure boot processes, and access control mechanisms to protect sensitive data and applications.

IBM Mainframes are renowned for their exceptional performance, particularly in handling large volumes of transactions and data. This makes them indispensable for industries where reliability and processing speed are critical, such as banking and insurance.

Scalability is another key feature of IBM Mainframes. These systems can be scaled up or out to meet the growing demands of an organization, ensuring that computing resources are always aligned with business needs.

IBM Mainframes excel in Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS). These systems are designed to minimize downtime and maintain high levels of service quality, even under the most demanding conditions.

Over the years, IBM has released various mainframe models, each offering enhancements in performance, security, and functionality. The IBM zSeries, System z, and most recently, the IBM z15, are among the prominent models in IBM's mainframe lineup.

The IBM z15 represents the latest in IBM's mainframe technology, providing unprecedented levels of performance, security, and resilience. It introduces features like Cloud Native capabilities and Data Privacy Passports for enhanced data privacy and security.

The software ecosystem for IBM Mainframes is robust, including development tools, database management systems, and application servers. This ecosystem supports the development and deployment of both traditional and modern applications on mainframe platforms.

IBM Mainframes are increasingly integrated with cloud computing environments, offering a hybrid model that leverages the strengths of both mainframes and cloud resources. This integration facilitates flexible, scalable, and secure IT solutions.

The future of IBM Mainframes looks promising, with ongoing investments in innovation and technology. IBM continues to evolve its mainframe offerings to address the challenges of modern computing, such as big data analytics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence.

For detailed information and technical documentation on IBM Mainframes, the official IBM Knowledge Center provides extensive resources. Documentation covers topics from system setup and configuration to application development and system administration.

For a comprehensive overview and historical context of IBM Mainframes, the Wikipedia page is a valuable resource: s://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_mainframe(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_mainframe).

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This summary provides an overview of IBM Mainframes, highlighting their history, architecture, operating systems, and the evolution of their technology. For specific technical documentation, the IBM Knowledge Center is the best resource, while Wikipedia offers a broad historical and contextual background.

Snippet from Wikipedia: IBM mainframe

IBM mainframes are large computer systems produced by IBM since 1952. During the 1960s and 1970s, IBM dominated the computer market with the 7000 series and the later System/360, followed by the System/370. Current mainframe computers in IBM's line of business computers are developments of the basic design of the System/360.

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