IBM Unveils z17 Mainframe with 50% AI Performance Boost

The z17, powered by the Telum II processor, supports over 250 AI use cases and introduces advanced security and energy efficiency features.

IBM announced the z17 mainframe, set to release on June 18, 2025, with a 50% improvement in AI inferencing performance over its predecessor.
The system integrates the Telum II processor and Spyre Accelerator cards, enabling over 450 billion AI operations per day and scaling for generative AI workloads.
Developed over five years with extensive customer input, the z17 supports more than 250 AI use cases, including fraud detection, risk analysis, and medical imaging.
Enhanced security features include advanced encryption, IBM Vault for secrets management, and AI-driven anomaly detection to safeguard sensitive data.
IBM plans further upgrades in 2025, including the Spyre Accelerator in Q4 and the AI-optimized z/OS 3.2 operating system in Q3, to expand performance and hybrid cloud capabilities.