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IBM has unveiled new rack-mount and single-frame configurations for its IBM z17 and IBM LinuxONE 5 portfolios, marking the first-ever full rollout of rack-mount systems across the entire IBM Z and LinuxONE product lineup. The new form factors deliver enhanced deployment flexibility for enterprises, while fully retaining the flagship-grade performance, robust security, and mature software ecosystem of IBM’s core platforms.
This product expansion addresses the current industry challenges of record-low data center vacancy rates and rising operational costs. According to CBRE’s 2026 Global Data Center Trend Report, data center rental rates have surpassed $400 per kW/month. As enterprise workloads — especially AI-powered applications — continue to scale rapidly, the new IBM systems enable businesses to boost infrastructure density and deployment agility without compromising operational resilience and performance.
The expanded product portfolio allows customers to select tailored IBM Z and LinuxONE deployment solutions that align precisely with their existing data center layouts and operational workflows, seamlessly integrating with current enterprise IT environments.
Upgraded Versatile Deployment Options
The newly updated IBM z17 and LinuxONE 5 models feature a dual-processor-drawer architecture, supporting up to 82 processor cores and 18TB of memory. Compared with previous generations of equivalent systems, core count increases by approximately 20% and memory capacity rises by 12%, delivering a substantial upgrade in hardware processing and load-bearing capabilities.
Additionally, IBM has launched new Crypto Discovery & Inventory capabilities, providing security teams with a unified visual overview of cryptographic assets across the entire enterprise. These dedicated tools help organizations evaluate their readiness for post-quantum cryptography standards and streamline daily cryptographic asset management, optimizing overall security operation efficiency.
IBM z17 and LinuxONE 5 now offer a comprehensive suite of deployment options to cater to diverse enterprise scenarios:
IBM z17 Single Frame: Built with a fully enclosed IBM rack integrated with intelligent power distribution units (iPDUs), it supports the co-deployment of additional auxiliary infrastructure within the frame for superior integration performance.
IBM z17 Rack Mount: Allows core IBM Z components to be directly installed in industry-standard customer racks and coexist with third-party devices, delivering outstanding cross-device compatibility.
IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper 5: Available in both rack-mount and single-frame configurations, specially optimized for high-density Linux workload operations.
IBM LinuxONE 5 Express: Adopts a compact 18U form factor, ideal for small and medium-scale Linux environments while preserving full enterprise-grade functionalities, balancing lightweight deployment and professional performance.
The new rack-mount design enables the co-location of IBM and non-IBM infrastructure in a single rack, effectively improving data center space utilization and simplifying device deployment and adaptation in existing on-premises data centers.
Enhanced AI Computing and Security Capabilities
Consistent with previously released z17 and LinuxONE 5 systems, the new models leverage the IBM Telum II processor, Red Hat OpenShift AI and IBM Spyre Accelerator to support multi-model AI inference. They enable both predictive AI and generative AI processing within core transactional workloads, empowering end-to-end business intelligent upgrading.
On the security front, all new models come standard with enterprise-grade capabilities including confidential computing, enterprise secrets management and post-quantum cryptography. These advanced security features are now universally available across the entire IBM z17 and LinuxONE Rockhopper 5 product range.
Beyond cryptographic asset management tools, the centralized visibility framework further assists security teams in unifying enterprise cryptographic asset monitoring, accelerating post-quantum cryptography transformation preparation and simplifying long-term security governance.
New Management and Modernization Software Solutions
Alongside the hardware upgrades, IBM has released new software tools to streamline system administration and accelerate enterprise application modernization.
IBM Infrastructure Management for IBM Z and IBM LinuxONE consolidates resource provisioning, system configuration and daily operational management into a unified dashboard. It supports Terraform and other mainstream Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) frameworks, enabling automated deployment and intelligent orchestration. The platform also provides visualized system I/O topology and configuration display to simplify operational oversight.
IBM COBOL Elevate for z/OS is tailored to boost the modernization level and operational performance of COBOL applications running on IBM z17. It helps enterprises optimize legacy COBOL workloads without full code rewriting or reliance on extensive professional technical expertise.
The upgraded management suite effectively reduces operational complexity, helping enterprises maximize the value of their existing IBM Z and LinuxONE infrastructure investments and achieve sustainable IT modernization.
Product General Availability Timeline
The new IBM z17 Single Frame, IBM z17 Rack Mount, IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper 5 and IBM LinuxONE 5 Express systems are scheduled for general availability on August 12, 2026.
IBM Infrastructure Management for IBM Z and IBM LinuxONE will be generally available on August 14, 2026.
IBM COBOL Elevate for z/OS is set to launch globally on September 18, 2026.
Beijing Qianxing Jietong Technology Co., Ltd.
Sandy Yang/Global Strategy Director
WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 13426366826
Email: yangyd@qianxingdata.com
Website: www.qianxingdata.com/www.storagesserver.com
Business Focus:
ICT Product Distribution/System Integration & Services/Infrastructure Solutions
With 20+ years of IT distribution experience, we partner with leading global brands to deliver reliable products and professional services.
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Sandy Yang/Global Strategy Director
WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 13426366826
Email: yangyd@qianxingdata.com
Website: www.qianxingdata.com/www.storagesserver.com
Business Focus:
ICT Product Distribution/System Integration & Services/Infrastructure Solutions
With 20+ years of IT distribution experience, we partner with leading global brands to deliver reliable products and professional services.
“Using Technology to Build an Intelligent World”Your Trusted ICT Product Service Provider!