Mainframes stay the IT spine of numerous enterprises, powering mission-critical functions and delivering unmatched efficiency and reliability, as just lately confirmed by an ITIC ballot. On the similar time, knowledge volumes are steeply on the rise, in response to technical forces just like the proliferation of IoT units and AI/ML adoption, and market forces akin to elevated human-generated content material and investments into digitization initiatives. As knowledge continues to develop and workloads develop into extra advanced with the proliferation of AI, even probably the most strong mainframes can battle to maintain up. Environment friendly and high-performing storage networking options are important to fulfill the rising calls for.
The Cisco MDS 9000 Sequence (additionally manufactured by IBM as IBM C-Sort) represents a game-changer for mainframe storage networking. It’s totally certified for IBM® z17™—IBM’s new-generation mainframe system that locations AI on the heart of enterprise infrastructure. The MDS 9000 Sequence, together with the versatile Cisco MDS 9148V change, additionally has expanded fiber connection (FICON) capabilities, making it a top-tier answer for contemporary mainframe environments and delivering on the promise of 99.9999% availability.
Mainframe environments: Why storage networking is necessary
IBM Z techniques are mainframes recognized for his or her capability to deal with huge transaction volumes, help large-scale databases, and supply unmatched ranges of safety and uptime. The latest within the IBM Z system household, IBM z17 is the primary mainframe totally engineered for the AI age, unlocking expanded capabilities for enterprise-scale AI, akin to massive language fashions, generative AI, and accelerated inferencing. Nevertheless, the efficiency of mainframe functions will depend on the underlying storage infrastructure.
Storage space networks (SANs) play a vital function in guaranteeing quick, dependable, and safe entry to knowledge. For mainframe environments, which leverage high-speed FICON protocol, having a sturdy SAN material that helps these necessities is non-negotiable. An answer that mixes excessive throughput, low latency, and enterprise-class resilience is significant to make sure seamless operations and meet stringent service-level settlement necessities.
The MDS 9000 Sequence: An ideal match for mainframe storage networking
The MDS 9000 Sequence has lengthy been a trusted identify in storage networking, and its suitability for mainframe environments is not any exception. Designed with high-performance SAN capabilities, the MDS 9000 Sequence delivers unparalleled reliability, scalability, safety, and sustainability, making it a great alternative for contemporary enterprises.
Among the standout options of the MDS 9000 Sequence for mainframe environments embody:
- Constructed-in FICON help: Chosen MDS 9000 Sequence administrators and switches are FICON certified, which helps to make sure seamless integration and simple adoption for combined FC/FICON environments. FICON Management Unit Port (CUP) and material binding are actually out there within the base code and no license is required.
- Excessive bandwidth and low latency: With help for cutting-edge applied sciences akin to 64G Fibre Channel, the MDS 9000 Sequence meets the demanding wants of mainframe workloads with quick, low-latency connectivity.
- Enterprise-class resilience: Redundant parts, fault-tolerant structure, and superior diagnostics make the MDS 9000 Sequence extremely dependable, which is vital for mainframe operations that require near-zero downtime.
- Superior safety: Options akin to quantum-resistant hardware-based encryption and safe boot and anti-counterfeit know-how assist be certain that delicate mainframe knowledge stays protected always.
- AI/ML-powered administration capabilities: When built-in with the MDS 9000 Sequence, Cisco Nexus Dashboard graphical administration instrument improves operational effectivity by proactively figuring out and predicting points akin to optics failures earlier than they affect manufacturing workloads.
New milestone achieved: z17 qualification for MDS 9000
The MDS 9000 Sequence has achieved a major milestone by efficiently finishing the IBM z17 qualification testing. This qualification underscores the power of MDS 9000 Sequence to fulfill the rigorous calls for of contemporary mainframe environments. This contains enhanced safety, unmatched efficiency, and full integration with the FICON CUP for in-band administration of switching units.
The z17 qualification reveals how Cisco is dedicated to delivering storage networking options that hold tempo with the evolving wants of mainframe clients. Enterprise clients might be assured in selecting the MDS 9000 Sequence as a result of it has been rigorously examined and validated for compatibility with IBM’s newest mainframe techniques. Furthermore, it demonstrates full funding safety for present MDS 9000 clients by qualifying each 32G and 64G switching modules for IBM z17. This permits MDS 9000 customers to undertake IBM’s newest mainframe at 32G pace—no new {hardware} funding wanted—maximizing ROI and future-proofing their SAN.
With this qualification, Cisco solidifies its management within the storage networking house and offers mainframe customers the instruments they should optimize their storage networks for agility, scalability, reliability, and efficiency. As well as, the usage of FICON-qualified SAN extension options akin to Cisco MDS 9220i expands mainframe environments throughout distant knowledge facilities.
Increasing FICON help: The Cisco MDS 9148V change
Along with the MDS administrators, one other thrilling growth is the FICON qualification of the MDS 9148V change. This compact but highly effective change is now formally acknowledged as FICON certified, bringing much more flexibility and choices to mainframe clients.
The MDS 9148V change is a perfect alternative for enterprises searching for an economical answer for smaller or distributed mainframe environments. Key options of the MDS 9148V change embody:
- Scalability: With a spread from 24 and as much as 48 ports at 64G Fibre Channel, the MDS 9148V gives the mandatory room for development that small environments necessitate.
- Ease of deployment: A compact kind issue and power-optimized design make it simple to deploy the MDS 9148V change in smaller knowledge facilities or for testing environments. A FICON setup wizard helps facilitate all required configuration steps.
- FICON compatibility: The MDS 9148V change ensures seamless integration into mainframe environments, leveraging VSAN know-how for mixing mainframe and Open System options on a single high-performance gadget.
Why select MDS 9000 for mainframe environments?
The mix of z17 qualification and expanded FICON help makes the MDS 9000 Sequence a transparent alternative for enterprises searching for a best-in-class storage networking answer for his or her mainframe environments. Key advantages embody:
- Future-readiness: With help for the newest applied sciences and compatibility with IBM z17, the MDS 9000 Sequence is designed to deal with present and future workloads.
- Complete alternative: From highly effective administrators to versatile switches just like the MDS 9148V and MDS 9220i, the MDS 9000 Sequence provides options for organizations of all sizes.
- Simplified administration: Intuitive Cisco administration instruments make it simple to deploy, monitor, and optimize your storage community, leveraging wizards for multi-step operations. Full integration with the mainframe CUP protocol can also be out there.
- Confirmed observe report: With 20+ years of expertise and a powerful popularity within the SAN market, Cisco is a trusted companion for mainframe storage networking.
Take the following step in mainframe storage networking
Whether or not you’re deploying a large-scale storage community with MDS administrators or leveraging the compact and cost-effective MDS 9148V change, Cisco options present the efficiency, reliability, and scalability you have to succeed. By selecting Cisco MDS 9000, you’re investing in a future-ready storage networking platform that can hold your mainframe setting operating easily for years to come back.
Able to elevate your mainframe storage networking? Discover the Cisco MDS 9000 Sequence at present and unlock the total potential of your mainframe setting.
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