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IBM Unveils PC Server S/390 for Mainframe and PC Applications

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

IBM has introduced the first PC server that can run both PC and mainframe-based applications, called the IBM PC Server 500 S/390. This innovative server combines the reliability and high performance of the PC Server 500 with System/390 architecture, enabling application developers to write and test mainframe applications on their PC. This move is expected to save customers money by reducing the need to share time on the mainframe and minimizing costs in areas such as network management and systems training.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PC Server S/390 is the first IBM PC server that can run both PC and mainframe-based applications, allowing developers to create new mainframe applications without sharing time on the mainframe.
  • This innovative server combines the reliability and high performance of the PC Server 500 with System/390 architecture, supporting VM/ESA, VSE/ESA, and MVS/ESA operating systems and software.
  • The PC Server S/390 offers traditional file, print-sharing, and application server capabilities, as well as support for remote, unattended system operation.
  • Application developers and systems programmers can improve and streamline their development methods using the PC Server S/390, leveraging their existing S/390 skills and improving productivity.
  • The PC Server S/390 comes with a S/390 CMOS processor, 32MB ECC memory, and supports up to 128MB expansion memory, allowing for powerful computing capabilities.
  • The server can be configured with up to 38GB of internal disk storage and supports up to 256MB ECC memory, making it a cost-effective migration tool for existing S/370 applications.

Statistics:

  • The PC Server S/390 comes with 32MB ECC memory standard, expandable to 256MB ECC memory for use by OS/2 and Pentium processors.
  • The server can be configured with up to 38GB of internal disk storage with SCSI-2 Fast and Wide "hot-pluggable" disk.
  • The base configurations of the PC Server S/390 will range from $50,000 to $90,000, depending on operating systems and software selected.

Sources:

  • IBM Technical Interchange Conference
  • IBM Press Release
  • Charles Lickel, Vice President, S/390 Business Plan and System Architecture, IBM System/390 Division
  • Angelica Horaitis, Director of Worldwide Marketing, IBM PC Servers
  • Timothy Negris, Vice President of Sales and Solution Marketing, IBM Software Solutions Division
  • Michael J. King, President and CEO, Software AG of North America

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