IBM has unveiled the z17 mainframe, which features the advanced Telum II processor and the Spyre AI accelerator, significantly enhancing its capacity to handle AI workloads.

Set for general availability on June 18, 2025, the z17 is designed to perform an impressive 450 billion daily inferences, marking a 50% increase over its predecessor, the z16.

Initial tests of the Spyre prototype have shown it to be over three times more efficient in image processing per watt compared to high-end GPUs, addressing the energy demands associated with AI workloads.

In a challenging market for high-value IT products, IBM's research and development efforts are directly addressing customer needs, particularly in fraud detection.

Organizations that incorporate mainframes into their hybrid strategies report three times higher ROI in digital transformation, with 88% of executives deeming modernization essential for long-term success.

Keeping AI workloads on-premises not only enhances data control but also reduces complexity and ensures faster, more secure processing, which is crucial for industries facing strict regulatory demands.

The development of the AI accelerator technology for the z17 took five years, involving over 2,000 research hours and feedback from more than 100 customers.

Despite a primary focus on software and consulting services, IBM's hardware business, particularly its mainframe systems, remains a crucial revenue generator, with hybrid infrastructure revenue reaching $8.9 billion in 2024.

79% of IT executives consider mainframes essential for driving AI innovation, with modern models capable of handling 30,000 transactions per second and supporting up to 40 terabytes of memory.

The security of data processed on mainframes is bolstered by AI capabilities, ensuring sensitive information remains secure and compliant with regulatory standards.

The z17 follows a successful trajectory established by the z16, which saw significant revenue growth over the past two years, underscoring the z series' importance to IBM's financial success.