Mainframe

Mainframe is a type of large, powerful computer system, typically used by large organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing, such as census, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and financial transaction processing.

The term originally referred to the large cabinets that housed the central processing unit and main memory of early computers. Later, the term was used to distinguish high-end commercial machines from less powerful units.

History

The history of mainframes dates back to the early 20th century, with the development of large-scale mechanical calculating machines. The first electronic mainframes, introduced in the 1940s, were room-sized machines that used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory.

Architecture

Mainframe architecture is characterized by a high level of redundancy, fault tolerance, and processing power. They are designed to handle very high volume input and output (I/O) and emphasize throughput computing.

Software

Mainframe software includes operating systems, middleware, database management systems, and application software. The most common mainframe operating systems are z/OS, z/VM, z/VSE, and z/TPF from IBM.

Usage

Mainframes are used by large organizations in various sectors, including banking, healthcare, insurance, retail, and government. They are particularly suited to applications that require high reliability, scalability, and security.

See also

• Supercomputer
• Minicomputer
• Microcomputer
• Server (computing)

External links

• IBM Z Mainframes

Mainframe Resources
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