--- description: IBM's z17 mainframe has the processing power to deliver 50% more AI inference operations daily. IBM has unveiled the IBM z17 mainframe, a leap forward in... title: "IBM z17: A Mainframe Engineered with AI at its Core" image: https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/New_IBM_z17_Mainframe_thumbnail.png --- [![Storage Review]()](https://storagereview.com/) --- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/@storagereview) [X (Twitter)](https://twitter.twitter.com/storagereview) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/storagereview/) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/storagereview-com) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/storagereview?sub_confirmation=1) [Email](mailto:info@storagereview.com) [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6VnznABhHeOSMOmbDTz0) [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/StorageReview/) [Discord](https://discord.gg/TwMHb4azdC) [RSS Feed](https://www.storagereview.com/rss.xml) [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@storagereview) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/@storagereview) [X (Twitter)](https://twitter.com/storagereview) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/storagereview/) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/storagereview-com) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/storagereview?sub_confirmation=1) [Email](mailto:info@storagereview.com) [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6VnznABhHeOSMOmbDTz0) [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/StorageReview/) [Discord](https://discord.gg/TwMHb4azdC) [RSS Feed](https://www.storagereview.com/rss.xml) [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@storagereview) [![StorageReview.com]()](https://www.storagereview.com) ≡ Menu - [Home](https://www.storagereview.com/) - [Storage Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/review) - [End User Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/consumer) - [Enterprise Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/enterprise) - [Ubiquiti Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/best/ubiquiti-reviews) - [SR Merch](https://store.storagereview.com) - [Leaderboards](https://www.storagereview.com/best) - [Best Storage Arrays](https://www.storagereview.com/best/storage-arrays) - [Best Enterprise SSDs](https://www.storagereview.com/best/enterprise-ssds) - [Best Servers](https://www.storagereview.com/best/servers) - [Best Enterprise GPUs](https://www.storagereview.com/best/enterprise-gpus) - [Best Desktops for Local AI](https://www.storagereview.com/best/desktops-local-ai) - [Best Laptops for Local AI](https://www.storagereview.com/best/laptops-local-ai) - [Best Local LLM Tools](https://www.storagereview.com/best/local-llm-tools) - [Agentic AI Hardware](https://www.storagereview.com/best/agentic-ai-hardware) - [Best SSDs & Hard Drives](https://www.storagereview.com/best_drives) - [Best Portable SSDs](https://www.storagereview.com/best/portable-ssds) - [Best Business Laptops](https://www.storagereview.com/best/business-laptops) - [Best Mobile Workstations](https://www.storagereview.com/best/mobile-workstations) - [Best Desktop Workstations](https://www.storagereview.com/best/desktop-workstations) - [Best Mini PCs](https://www.storagereview.com/best/mini-pcs) - [Best Laptop Battery Life](https://www.storagereview.com/best/laptop-battery-life) - [Storage Reference Guide](https://www.storagereview.com/storage-reference-guide) - [About SR](https://www.storagereview.com/about-storagereview) - [StorageReview.com Sweepstakes Rules and Regulations](https://www.storagereview.com/storagereview-com-sweepstakes-rules-and-regulations) Search [Home](https://www.storagereview.com/) » [News](https://www.storagereview.com/news) » IBM z17: A Mainframe Engineered with AI at its Core # IBM z17: A Mainframe Engineered with AI at its Core by Harold Fritts on April 8, 2025 [AI](https://www.storagereview.com/enterprise/ai)  ◇  [Enterprise](https://www.storagereview.com/enterprise) IBM has unveiled the IBM z17 mainframe, a leap forward in its enterprise technology portfolio, engineered with AI at its core. Built around the IBM Telum II processor, the z17 extends beyond transactional AI, introducing robust new workloads that empower businesses to innovate and achieve more. ![]() The IBM z17 can process 50% more AI inference operations daily than its predecessor, the z16. The z17 offers tools for mitigating loan risk, enhancing chatbot interactions, advancing medical image analysis, and preventing retail theft, among many others. Developed in collaboration with over 100 clients and drawing on insights from IBM Research and Software teams, the z17 embodies five years of research and development. Its design features more than 300 patented innovations that emphasize enhanced performance, security, and system usability. ![]() ## IBM Telum II At the heart of the z17’s AI capabilities is the on-chip accelerator integrated into the IBM Telum II processor. With increased frequency, enhanced compute capacity, and a 40% growth in cache, the processor supports over 450 billion inference operations per day. The addition of the IBM Spyre Accelerator, expected to be available in late 2025, will further enhance AI compute capabilities. The on-chip and PCIe-attached AI acceleration is delivered via the IBM Telum II processor and the Spyre Accelerator card. This combination improves high-speed, low-latency inferencing and extends generative AI and LLMs to enterprise speed and scale. For small language models (SLMs), the Telum II allows up to eight billion parameters. Additionally, the Telum II features a new data processing unit (DPU) designed to accelerate complex input/output (I/O) protocols for networking and storage in the mainframe. The DPU simplifies system operations and enhances the performance of key components. ![]()   Beyond hardware, IBM z17 incorporates advanced software features to improve the efficiency of developers and IT operations. AI assistants and agents, such as IBM watsonx Code Assistant for Z and IBM watsonx Assistant for Z, will assist in streamlining incident detection and resolution. Integrating these tools with IBM Z Operations Unite provides a new level of AI-driven operational insight. With z/OS 3.2, slated for release in 2025, the operating system will introduce hardware-accelerated AI capabilities, support for NoSQL databases, and expanded hybrid cloud data processing. This enables more accessible enterprise data, facilitating predictive analytics and business insights. Security remains a cornerstone of the IBM z17’s design. The system includes AI-powered tools for discovering and classifying sensitive data, ensuring critical assets are safeguarded against evolving cyber threats. IBM Vault, a comprehensive secrets management solution, standardizes security across hybrid environments, while new AI-driven solutions provide anomaly detection and threat identification capabilities, further strengthening the platform’s defense posture. | IBM z17 Specifications | | | --- | --- | | Maximum number of engines | 208 | | Maximum number of drawers | 4 | | Maximum number of IO drawers | 12 | | Number of frames | 4 | | Colocate with storage/switch | No | | Frequency | 5.5 GHz | | Telum chip | Yes | | Maximum memory | 64 TB | | Sizes | 43, 90, 136, 183, 208 | IBM z17 also enhances the support experience through IBM Technology Lifecycle Services. These services optimize performance, address risks, and streamline incident remediation, leveraging IBM watsonx technology for improved resolution times. In addition, the platform integrates seamlessly with the IBM Storage DS8000 series, offering secure, agile, and high-performance storage solutions that align with the demands of mission-critical workloads. Available on June 18, the IBM z17 represents a transformative shift in mainframe technology, combining hardware, software, and AI to deliver unprecedented business value. For more information, visit IBM.com/z17. **Engage with StorageReview** [Newsletter](https://www.storagereview.com/storage_newsletter) |  [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/StorageReview "Opens in a new window") | Podcast  [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/storagereview-com-storage-reviews/id1060681115 "Opens in a new window")/ [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6VnznABhHeOSMOmbDTz0 "Opens in a new window") |  [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/storagereview/ "Opens in a new window") |  [Twitter](https://twitter.com/storagereview "Opens in a new window") |  [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@storagereview? "Opens in a new window") |  [RSS Feed](https://www.storagereview.com/rss.xml) ![]() ### Harold Fritts I have been in the tech industry since IBM created Selectric. My background, though, is writing. So I decided to get out of the pre-sales biz and return to my roots, doing a bit of writing but still being involved in technology. Previous post: [IBM Strengthens AI-Driven Business Operations From Hakkoda Acquisition](https://www.storagereview.com/news/ibm-strengthens-ai-driven-business-operations-from-hakkoda-acquisition) Next post: [Proxmox VE 8.4 Arrives with New Tools for Live Migration and Backup Integration](https://www.storagereview.com/news/proxmox-ve-8-4-arrives-with-new-tools-for-live-migration-and-backup-integration) Trusted Vendors Products and solutions from our affiliate partners: - [ ![Ubiquiti Logo]() Ubiquiti ](https://store.ui.com/us/en?a_aid=StorageReview "Opens in a new window") - [ ![Newegg Logo]() Newegg ](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=g5terNMDhz0&offerid=1207190.18&subid=0&type=4 "Opens in a new window") - [ ![Amazon Logo]() Amazon ](https://amzn.to/4fLJUEW "Opens in a new window") Newsletter Subscribe to the StorageReview newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news and reviews. We promise no spam! 1 Leave this field empty if you’re human: ## Advertisement Content Categories [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/@storagereview) [X](https://twitter.com/storagereview) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/storagereview/) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/storagereview-com) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/storagereview?sub_confirmation=1) [Email](mailto:info@storagereview.com) [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6VnznABhHeOSMOmbDTz0) [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/StorageReview/) [Discord](https://discord.gg/TwMHb4azdC) [RSS](https://www.storagereview.com/rss.xml) [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@storagereview) Copyright © 1998-2025 Flying Pig Ventures, LLC Cincinnati, Ohio. All rights reserved. Manage your privacy To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen. Functional Functional Always active The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Preferences Preferences The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Statistics Statistics The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Marketing Marketing The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Statistics Marketing Features Always active Special features Special purposes Always active - Manage options - Manage services - Manage {vendor\_count} vendors - [Read more about these purposes](https://cookiedatabase.org/tcf/purposes/) Accept Deny Manage options Save preferences Manage options - {title} - {title} - {title} Manage your privacy To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Functional Functional Always active The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Preferences Preferences The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Statistics Statistics The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Marketing Marketing The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Statistics Marketing Features Always active Special features Special purposes Always active - Manage options - Manage services - Manage {vendor\_count} vendors - [Read more about these purposes](https://cookiedatabase.org/tcf/purposes/) Accept Deny Manage options Save preferences Manage options - {title} - {title} - {title} Manage consent Manage consent ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/news\/ibm-z17-a-mainframe-engineered-with-ai-at-its-core","url":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/news\/ibm-z17-a-mainframe-engineered-with-ai-at-its-core","name":"IBM z17: A Mainframe Engineered with AI at its Core - StorageReview.com","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/news\/ibm-z17-a-mainframe-engineered-with-ai-at-its-core#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/news\/ibm-z17-a-mainframe-engineered-with-ai-at-its-core#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/New_IBM_z17_Mainframe_thumbnail.png","datePublished":"2025-04-08T19:06:16+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/news\/ibm-z17-a-mainframe-engineered-with-ai-at-its-core#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/news\/ibm-z17-a-mainframe-engineered-with-ai-at-its-core"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/news\/ibm-z17-a-mainframe-engineered-with-ai-at-its-core#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/New_IBM_z17_Mainframe_thumbnail.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/New_IBM_z17_Mainframe_thumbnail.png","width":714,"height":861},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/news\/ibm-z17-a-mainframe-engineered-with-ai-at-its-core#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/news"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"IBM z17: A Mainframe Engineered with AI at its Core"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/","name":"StorageReview.com","description":"StorageReview.com is a leading provider of news and reviews throughout the entire IT stack - from the datacenter to the edge, and all points in between.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#organization","name":"StorageReview.com","url":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Storage-Reviews-2-2.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Storage-Reviews-2-2.png","width":344,"height":61,"caption":"StorageReview.com"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/x.com\/storagereview","http:\/\/youtube.com\/user\/storagereview"]}]} ```