Avis Is Moving To Linux On The Mainframe
A recent WSJ article reveals that Avis Budget Group has decided to move to Linux on their mainframe environment. Avis is hoping to achieve lower software costs and gain additional flexibility by moving from their z/OS operating system to their mainframe’s Linux environment.
CIO Gerard Insall, indicated that this planned migration has been driven by a significant increase in on-line traffic to their system. Under their z/OS system, these increases in internet traffic translate into additional mainframe utilization and thus higher processing and software costs. Mr. Insall is projecting that this move will cut his software costs by 50% or $8M annually. The move will also allow him to install Linux virtual servers quickly when capacity becomes limited. Since Linux also operates on other platforms it will allow Avis to explore new hardware/software options should the need arise.
IBM indicated that 80% of their top 100 mainframe customers have utilized Linux in some form. IBM also said that about 50% of their new mainframe installs have Linux running on them.
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