Large computers perform complex and critical calculations in large enterprises and governments around the world. Mainframe machines are fast, intelligent, and capable of implementing the advanced computing required for our enterprise IT infrastructure and business goals.
The emergence of new computing technologies has not stifled the need for mainframes because they offer unique advantages that make them one of the most reliable business computing solutions.
Let's take a look at the features that make mainframes the preferred computing platform, and some of their shortcomings.
Advantages of mainframe computing
Advanced Computing: One of the main features of mainframe computers is their ability to process data and run applications at high speed. Business calculations require high-speed input/output [I/O] rather than raw calculation speed. The mainframe effectively provides it. In addition, because business computing also requires wide bandwidth connections, mainframe designs can balance I/O performance and bandwidth.
Increase processing power: Large computers are supported by a large number of high-power processors. In addition, unlike other computers, the mainframe delegates I/O to hundreds of processors, limiting the main processor to application processing. This feature is unique to the mainframe, making it superior in terms of processing.
Virtualization: Mainframe systems can be divided into logical partitions [LPARs, also known as virtual machines]. Each LPAR can run the server. As a result, a single mainframe can do the job of a "server farm" that uses a large number of servers built on other platforms. Since all of these virtual machines run on a single processor in a single box, the mainframe effectively eliminates the need for many other hardware.
Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability [RAS]: The RAS characteristics of a computer are often one of the most important factors in data processing. Large computers show effective RAS features in both hardware and software.
Mainframe systems are reliable because they can detect, report and self-recover system problems. In addition, they can be recovered without disturbing the entire working system, so most applications can be retained.
The maintainability of mainframes means they can be easily detected and diagnosed, making it easy to solve problems in a short period of time with minimal downtime.
• Security: Because mainframes are designed for large organizations where the confidentiality of data is critical, large computers have a wide range of capabilities for secure storage and protection of data. They provide a secure system for a large number of applications that access confidential data. Mainframe security typically integrates multiple security and monitoring services: user authentication, auditing, access control, and firewalls.
• High-end scalability: The scalability of a computing platform is what can be done even when adding processors, memory, and storage. Large computers are known for their scalability in hardware and software. They can easily run tasks of varying complexity.
• Continuous compatibility: Continuous compatibility is one of the popular features of mainframe computers. They support applications of different ages. Large computers have been upgraded multiple times and continue to use many combinations of old, new and emerging software.
• Persistent performance: Large computers are known for their long-lasting performance. After installation, the mainframe system can be used for years and years without any major problems or downtime.
Shortcomings of mainframe computing
One of the main drawbacks of mainframes is their cost. The mainframe hardware and software are obviously expensive. However, compared to the cost of other security, IT management, virtualization, etc., the cost of the mainframe is much lower.
Second, mainframe hardware takes up more space than other computers. This large space may be a constraint for small businesses. But this problem is not as serious as it used to be. Today's mainframes are small compared to earlier machines.
Finally, high-end skills are required to use a large computer. You cannot operate the mainframe environment without specific training. However, because a skilled administrator can serve a large number of mainframe users, using a mainframe can significantly reduce personnel costs, providing significant staffing advantages.
Orignal From: Advantages and disadvantages of mainframe computing
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