IBM launches faster mainframe - zEnterprise

IBM has unveiled a new mainframe computer called "zEnterprise," which it said was the most powerful mainframe ever and is more cost-efficient than previous-generation products. IBM said its zEnterprise is 40 percent to 60 percent faster than its predecessor, System z10, but uses about the same amount of electricity. The core server in the zEnterprise system contains the world's fastest, most powerful microprocessors. They run at 5.2Ghz, making them capable of executing more than 50 billion instructions per second. The zEnterprise really helps to avoid building out a new data center for real estate or power reasons. While IBM has been shifting its focus to services and software and away from commoditized hardware, high-end servers are still crucial as it tries to sell a wide portfolio of technology services and products. IBM spent $1.5 billion on research and development for the zEnterprise system in a 4-year project involving over 5,000 of its employees. It will also come with a water cooling option, which could help reduce energy consumption by up to 12 percent by removing air heat.