Draft Document for Review April 7, 2004 6:15 pm

6947ch01.fm

Note: z/OS 1.1 is not supported on z990 nor on any zSeries server participating in a sysplex that includes a z990 server.

Linux

Linux for S/390 is available in 31-bit mode and will support Exploitation mode. Linux on zSeries is available in 64-bit mode and will support Exploitation mode.

z/VM

All versions of z/VM support both 31-bit and 64-bit mode.

z/VM 4.4, and z/VM 5.1 and later are capable of exploiting up to 30 logical partitions and up to four LCSSs. VM/ESA® is not supported on z990.

z/VSE

z/VSE Version 3.1 supports 31-bit mode only and Exploitation mode.

VSE/ESA™

VSE/ESA Versions 2.6, and 2.7 will support z990 with the appropriate maintenance.

TPF

TPF V4R1 is supported in 31-bit mode with Compatibility. TPF does not provide Exploitation support.

Software pricing

The z990 product line qualifies for the same software pricing structure and software terms and conditions that are currently available for the z900 and zSeries servers. Workload License Charge (WLC) pricing is available when z/OS is running on the z990 server and all other qualifying terms and conditions for WLC are met. WLC pricing is enhanced on the variable charge products to provide greater granularity on z900 and z990 through lowering the base charge from 45 MSUs to 3 MSUs.

Parallel Sysplex License Charges (PSLC) apply for OS/390 software products and may apply with the PSLC price option if the customer elects PSLC pricing. When servers currently priced under the PSLC structure are upgraded to a z990 server, the customer may elect to continue using PSLC pricing. However, if the z990 server is an upgrade from a z900 server that has already converted to WLC pricing, the products running on the upgraded server must be charged under the WLC structure.

VM and VSE products running on z990 servers qualify for the same pricing structures currently available for other z900 servers. The Extended License Charge (ELC) applies for servers over 80 MSUs. The Graduated Monthly License Charge (GMLC) applies for servers under 80 MSUs. Customers who select WLC pricing for the z/OS environment must license VM and VSE products with the Flat Workload License Charge (FWLC). z/VM Version 4 License, and Subscription and Support (S&S) charges are priced per processor based on terms and conditions.

Software charging for z990 will be based on the number of active CPs, except when customers qualify, and elect WLC sub-capacity pricing. The z990 software MSU values are determined when the order is placed, software charging is based on the full capacity of the selected model. Full capacity is determined by the number of active CPs within the model.

The MSU performance ratings for the z990 server are available on the Web:

http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/zseries/library/swpriceinfo

Chapter 1. IBM zSeries 990 overview 21

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IBM 990 manual Software pricing, Linux, Vse
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990 specifications

The IBM 990 series, often referred to in the context of IBM's pioneering efforts in the realm of mainframe computing, represents a unique chapter in the history of information technology. Introduced in the late 1960s, the IBM 990 series was designed as a powerful tool for enterprise-level data processing and scientific calculations, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing computing capabilities.

One of the main features of the IBM 990 was its architecture, which was built to support a wide range of applications, from business processing to complex scientific computations. The system employed a 32-bit word length, which was advanced for its time, allowing for more flexible and efficient data handling. CPUs in the IBM 990 series supported multiple instructions per cycle, which contributed significantly to the overall efficiency and processing power of the machines.

The technology behind the IBM 990 was also notable for its use of solid-state technology. This provided a shift away from vacuum tube systems that were prevalent in earlier computing systems, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the hardware. The IBM 990 series utilized core memory, which was faster and more reliable than the magnetic drum memory systems that had been standard up to that point.

Another defining characteristic of the IBM 990 was its extensibility. Organizations could configure the machine to suit their specific needs by adding memory, storage, and peripheral devices as required. This modular approach facilitated the growth of systems alongside the technological and operational demands of the business environments they served.

In terms of software, the IBM 990 series was compatible with a variety of operating systems and programming environments, including FORTRAN and COBOL, enabling users to access a broader array of applications. This versatility was a significant advantage, making the IBM 990 an appealing choice for educational institutions, research facilities, and enterprises alike.

Moreover, the IBM 990 was engineered to support multiprocessing, which allowed multiple processes to run simultaneously, further increasing its effectiveness in tackling complex computing tasks.

In summary, the IBM 990 series represents a significant advancement in computing technology during the late 20th century. With a robust architecture, versatile configuration options, and a focus on solid-state technology, the IBM 990 facilitated substantial improvements in data processing capabilities, making it a cornerstone for many businesses and academic institutions of its time. Its impact can still be seen today in the continued evolution of mainframe computing.
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