IBM releases a new mainframe built for the age of AI

IBM is set to launch the latest version of its mainframe hardware with new updates to enhance AI adoption.

Announced on Monday, IBM z17 is the newest iteration of the company’s mainframe computer hardware. This fully encrypted mainframe is powered by an IBM Telum II processor and is optimized for over 250 AI use cases, including AI agents and generative AI.

Despite their age, mainframes are still widely used, with 71% of Fortune 500 companies relying on them. The mainframe market was valued at $5.3 billion in 2024, according to Market Research Future.

The z17 boasts impressive processing capabilities, able to handle 450 billion inference operations per day, a 50% improvement over its predecessor, the z16. This system is designed for seamless integration with other hardware, software, and open-source tools.

Tina Tarquinio, VP of product management and design for IBM Z, mentioned that the development of the z17 began five years ago, anticipating the current AI advancements. The mainframe underwent extensive research and customer feedback to align with market demands.

The z17 is prepared to evolve alongside the AI market, with initial support for 48 IBM Spyre AI accelerator chips and plans to double that within a year. The mainframe is built with flexibility to accommodate future AI models and advancements.

One of the key features of the z17 is its energy efficiency, offering significant AI acceleration with minimal energy consumption compared to competitors. The mainframes are set to be available for purchase on June 8.