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Avis Is Moving To Linux On The Mainframe

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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.

If you are thinking about re-hosting your mainframe or outsourcing your mainframe, then you might want to download our executive guide on mainframe outsourcing.

Mainframe Storage Moving Into The Cloud

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CA Technologies recently announced that it will be partnering with Microsoft to offer a cloud data storage solution for System z mainframes. The new service is the first of what CA said will be a line of cloud software for mainframe environments.

The new service is focused on providing cloud based storage for mainframe environments. The aim of the project is to give businesses more flexibility to meet the dynamic needs of storage capacity. Customers will be able to acquire just the right amount of capacity they need. This will hopefully help them to avoid spending too much for storage that they don’t use or gain additional capacity in incremental levels.

CA is unveiling the new service at the CA World conference in Las Vegas.

If you are thinking about possibly outsourcing your mainframe environment they you might want to download our Executive Guide on Mainframe Outsourcing. This will give you some insight into the risks/rewards of outsourcing.