How IBM Z and IBM Power Address These Needs
Both IBM Z and IBM Power can help enterprise leaders to innovate and advance their core systems.
IBM Z strengthens the systems where core transactions and data originate. “It brings AI-powered transaction processing that can securely handle 450 billion inferences per day, with 1 millisecond response time,” McPherson says.
IBM Power11 tackles modernization at the application and compute layer. “Many enterprises running IBM i, AIX and Linux on Power have developed proven business logic over decades. Power11 is designed to modernize those workloads in place,” he says. “It provides zero planned maintenance downtime, automated patching and AI‑driven risk insights.”
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Real-World Hybrid Use Cases Deliver Results
Enterprise users can glean big benefits by consolidating distributed Linux and integrating IBM Power into hybrid compute strategies.
Right now, for example, the Australian Tax Office is in the process of modernizing its core applications for the AI era. Upgrading to IBM z17 allows the office to handle AI workloads, McPherson says, and also “gives them better power, storage and compute efficiency to run new initiatives.”
Consolidating distributed Linux workloads onto IBM Z brings them closer to core transactional systems and data. “This reduces latency; strengthens security and governance; and simplifies large, fragmented server estates,” he says. “It also makes operational data more accessible for AI.”
Integrating IBM Power11 into hybrid compute strategies gives enterprises another path to consolidation and modernization. Organizations running Linux, IBM i and AIX across mixed environments “can bring those workloads onto a single platform, reducing complexity and improving manageability,” he says.
By modernizing the core, forward‑looking enterprises gain a stronger foundation to innovate faster and reduce risk. “They can maximize their investment and time to value,” McPherson says.
READ MORE: Artificial intelligence is forcing businesses to revise infrastructure strategies.
How IBM’s Offerings Operate as Complementary Platforms
IBM Z and IBM Power work as complementary platforms in a resilient, future-ready architecture.
IBM z17 anchors the architecture with the needed availability, security and data integrity. IBM Power11 complements this by modernizing the application and compute layer with hybrid flexibility, zero planned downtime, advanced security and AI‑optimized performance.
“Together, they create a resilient, future‑ready foundation that supports both mission‑critical operations and the innovation required in the AI era,” McPherson says.
CDW can play a key supporting role here. With a full range of assessment, design, orchestration and managed services, the Hybrid Infrastructure practice helps mature and scale infrastructure solutions that drive enterprise business objectives — without slowing innovation.
The practice has the depth and breadth to support the full modernization journey, from performance and capacity improvements to data and disaster management, networking, security, and cyber recovery. The team leverages world-class advisory, consulting and delivery services to help transform infrastructure from an operational necessity to a competitive advantage.
