IBM is set to release an AI-infused, hybrid-cloud version of its z/OS mainframe operating system, with delivery scheduled for September 29. This latest operating system, z/OS 3.1, aims to expand IBM’s AI portfolio by allowing customers to securely deploy AI applications alongside z/OS applications and data. It also includes a range of new features designed to support hybrid cloud applications on IBM’s mainframe.
One of the key additions to z/OS 3.1 is the AI System Services package, which provides support for various AI lifecycle phases, including data ingestion, AI model training, inferencing, AI model quality monitoring, and retraining services. This package aims to simplify the installation and management of AI-infused capabilities, eliminating the need for additional data science or AI skills.
The AI System Services package comprises three components. The Data Collection engine enables the ingestion, filtering, and collection of IT data for AI model training and inference. The AI Framework for IBM z/OS serves as the data store for training AI models and performing inference. Finally, the AI model server operationalizes AI models by facilitating training, deployment, inference, and model management.
Furthermore, z/OS 3.1 continues to support the cloud transformation of the mainframe. This aligns with the growing trend of using mainframes to support cloud environments. According to a recent survey, 42% of respondents currently use their mainframe in a hybrid cloud environment, while a further 16% plan to do so in the future. However, 42% of surveyed sites do not use or plan to use hybrid cloud capabilities on the mainframe.
To enhance cloud support, z/OS 3.1 introduces Container Extensions (zCX) and support for zCX Foundation for Red Hat OpenShift. These enhancements improve performance and security while allowing for the seamless integration of z/OS-based services and resources into Red Hat OpenShift.
Moreover, z/OS 3.1 features a new physical file system that provides secure and consistent access to data for z/OS UNIX utilities. The operating system also includes cloud-related services like z/OS Connect and z/OS Cloud Broker, which facilitate the integration of mainframe services and resources into hybrid cloud environments.
IBM’s constant innovation in its mainframe operating system demonstrates its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers. By infusing AI capabilities into z/OS and enhancing support for hybrid cloud environments, IBM aims to enable organizations to modernize their applications, manage workloads more efficiently, and accelerate time to market. With the release of z/OS 3.1, IBM continues to position its mainframe as a critical component of businesses’ digital transformation journeys.
