z13s

IBM announced the new version of the business class  mainframe called z13s.  This is the successor to the zBC12. You can find the detailed announcement letter here.

z13s glas model - photo Michael Storzer

From a Linux perspective the IBM tested platforms has been updated to include z13s. SUSE has published the certifications:

• SUSE certifications: SLES11 SP3, SLES12
• Red Hat certifications: RHEL6, RHEL7

Also announced are

• z13 enhancements (see announcement letter) including a new administrative mode for Linux called IBM Dynamic Partition Manager (DPM)
• KVM for IBM z Systems V1.1.1 with a planned availability of 3/18/2016, see my separate post.
• z/VM PTFs for exploitation APARs  (see announcement letter) providing e.g. also SIMD support for guest exploitation (VM65733)
• z/VM 6.4 preview announcement

Useful links:

• IBM Redbooks:
• IBM z13 and z13s Technical Introduction, SG24-8250-01 
• IBM z13 Technical Guide, SG24-8251-01
• IBM z13s Technical Guide, SG24-8294-01 
• z13s FAQ
• 3D demonstration of the system (you can interact, open doors, get explanations etc)
• Large Systems Performance Reference for IBM z Systems updated with z13s data
• Common Criteria Certification at EAL5+ level for LPAR

(updated 10/21/2016)