IBM has introduced the IBM z17, its latest generation mainframe, engineered from the ground up to meet the demands of the AI era. Equipped with the advanced IBM Telum® II processor, the IBM z17 significantly expands on its predecessor’s transactional AI capabilities, supporting a broader range of workloads and redefining enterprise-scale AI integration.
The IBM z17 is designed to enable businesses to analyze and act on every transaction in real time, delivering up to 50% more AI inferences per day than the IBM z16. It supports over 250 AI use cases, ranging from reducing lending risk and enhancing chatbot performance to analyzing medical images and preventing retail crime.
Developed over five years, the IBM z17 reflects extensive innovation, with more than 300 patent applications submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Its development involved input from over 100 clients and close collaboration with IBM Research and software teams. The result is a system that offers powerful multi-model AI capabilities, enhanced security features, and user-friendly tools for managing AI workloads.
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Key features of the IBM z17 include:
- AI Where the Data Resides: The IBM Telum II processor features a second-generation on-chip AI accelerator that boosts frequency and computational performance, along with a 40% increase in cache memory. This enables the system to deliver over 450 billion AI inferences per day with millisecond-level response times.
- Expanded AI Acceleration: IBM Spyre accelerators, launching in Q4 2025 via PCIe cards, will enhance AI computing capabilities alongside Telum II. These accelerators are tailored to harness enterprise data and bring generative AI functions—such as AI assistant execution—directly to the mainframe.
- Enhanced User Experience Through AI: The IBM z17 improves developer and IT operations productivity through AI-powered tools, including IBM Watsonx Code Assistant for Z and IBM Watsonx Assistant for Z. Integration with Z Operations Unite allows AI-driven, chat-based incident detection and resolution in real time using system data.
With the IBM z17, IBM continues to push the boundaries of mainframe technology, offering a powerful platform for businesses seeking to integrate AI deeply into their operations.
