Mainframes remain the IT backbone of countless enterprises, powering mission-critical applications and delivering unmatched performance and reliability, as recently confirmed by an ITIC poll. At the same time, data volumes are steeply on the rise, in response to technical forces like the proliferation of IoT devices and AI/ML adoption, and market forces such as increased human-generated content and investments into digitization initiatives. As data continues to grow and workloads become more complex with the proliferation of AI, even the most robust mainframes can struggle to keep up. Efficient and high-performing storage networking solutions are essential to meet the growing demands.

The Cisco MDS 9000 Series (also manufactured by IBM as IBM C-Type) represents a game-changer for mainframe storage networking. It is fully qualified for IBM? z17?-IBM's new-generation mainframe system that places AI at the center of enterprise infrastructure. The MDS 9000 Series, including the versatile Cisco MDS 9148V switch, also has expanded fiber connection (FICON) capabilities, making it a top-tier solution for modern mainframe environments and delivering on the promise of 99.9999% availability.

Mainframe environments: Why storage networking is important

IBM Z systems are mainframes known for their ability to handle massive transaction volumes, support large-scale databases, and provide unmatched levels of security and uptime. The newest in the IBM Z system family, IBM z17 is the first mainframe fully engineered for the AI age, unlocking expanded capabilities for enterprise-scale AI, such as large language models, generative AI, and accelerated inferencing. However, the performance of mainframe applications depends on the underlying storage infrastructure.

Storage area networks (SANs) play a critical role in ensuring fast, reliable, and secure access to data. For mainframe environments, which leverage high-speed FICON protocol, having a robust SAN fabric that supports these requirements is non-negotiable. A solution that combines high throughput, low latency, and enterprise-class resilience is vital to ensure seamless operations and meet stringent service-level agreement requirements.

The MDS 9000 Series: A perfect fit for mainframe storage networking

The MDS 9000 Series has long been a trusted name in storage networking, and its suitability for mainframe environments is no exception. Designed with high-performance SAN capabilities, the MDS 9000 Series delivers unparalleled reliability, scalability, security, and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for modern enterprises.

Some of the standout features of the MDS 9000 Series for mainframe environments include:

• Built-in FICON support:Selected MDS 9000 Series directors and switches are FICON qualified, which helps to ensure seamless integration and easy adoption for mixed FC/FICON environments. FICON Control Unit Port (CUP) and fabric binding are now available in the base code and no license is needed.
• High bandwidth and low latency:With support for cutting-edge technologies such as 64G Fibre Channel, the MDS 9000 Series meets the demanding needs of mainframe workloads with fast, low-latency connectivity.
• Enterprise-class resilience:Redundant components, fault-tolerant architecture, and advanced diagnostics make the MDS 9000 Series highly reliable, which is critical for mainframe operations that require near-zero downtime.
• Advanced security:Features such as quantum-resistant hardware-based encryption and secure boot and anti-counterfeit technology help ensure that sensitive mainframe data remains protected at all times.
• AI/ML-powered management capabilities:When integrated with the MDS 9000 Series, Cisco Nexus Dashboard graphical management tool improves operational efficiency by proactively identifying and predicting issues such as optics failures before they impact production workloads.

New milestone achieved: z17 qualification for MDS 9000

The MDS 9000 Series has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the IBM z17 qualification testing. This qualification underscores the ability of MDS 9000 Series to meet the rigorous demands of modern mainframe environments. This includes enhanced security, unmatched performance, and full integration with the FICON CUP for in-band management of switching devices.

The z17 qualification shows how Cisco is committed to delivering storage networking solutions that keep pace with the evolving needs of mainframe customers. Enterprise customers can be confident in choosing the MDS 9000 Series because it has been rigorously tested and validated for compatibility with IBM's latest mainframe systems. Moreover, it demonstrates full investment protection for existing MDS 9000 customers by qualifying both 32G and 64G switching modules for IBM z17. This enables MDS 9000 users to adopt IBM's latest mainframe at 32G speed-no new hardware investment needed-maximizing ROI and future-proofing their SAN.

With this qualification, Cisco solidifies its leadership in the storage networking space and gives mainframe users the tools they need to optimize their storage networks for agility, scalability, reliability, and performance. In addition, the use of FICON-qualified SAN extension solutions such as Cisco MDS 9220i expands mainframe environments across remote data centers.

Expanding FICON support: The Cisco MDS 9148V switch

In addition to the MDS directors, another exciting development is the FICON qualification of the MDS 9148V switch. This compact yet powerful switch is now officially recognized as FICON qualified, bringing even more flexibility and options to mainframe customers.

The MDS 9148V switch is an ideal choice for enterprises looking for a cost-effective solution for smaller or distributed mainframe environments. Key features of the MDS 9148V switch include:

• Scalability:With a range from 24 and up to 48 ports at 64G Fibre Channel, the MDS 9148V provides the necessary room for growth that small environments necessitate.
• Ease of deployment:A compact form factor and power-optimized design make it easy to deploy the MDS 9148V switch in smaller data centers or for testing environments. A FICON setup wizard helps facilitate all required configuration steps.
• FICON compatibility:The MDS 9148V switch ensures seamless integration into mainframe environments, leveraging VSAN technology for mixing mainframe and Open System solutions on a single high-performance device.

Why choose MDS 9000 for mainframe environments?

The combination of z17 qualification and expanded FICON support makes the MDS 9000 Series a clear choice for enterprises seeking a best-in-class storage networking solution for their mainframe environments. Key benefits include:

• Future-readiness:With support for the latest technologies and compatibility with IBM z17, the MDS 9000 Series is designed to handle current and future workloads.
• Comprehensive choice:From powerful directors to versatile switches like the MDS 9148V and MDS 9220i, the MDS 9000 Series offers solutions for organizations of all sizes.
• Simplified management:Intuitive Cisco management tools make it easy to deploy, monitor, and optimize your storage network, leveraging wizards for multi-step operations. Full integration with the mainframe CUP protocol is also available.
• Proven track record:With 20+ years of experience and a strong reputation in the SAN market, Cisco is a trusted partner for mainframe storage networking.

Take the next step in mainframe storage networking

Whether you're deploying a large-scale storage network with MDS directors or leveraging the compact and cost-effective MDS 9148V switch, Cisco solutions provide the performance, reliability, and scalability you need to succeed. By choosing Cisco MDS 9000, you're investing in a future-ready storage networking platform that will keep your mainframe environment running smoothly for years to come.

Ready to elevate your mainframe storage networking? Explore the Cisco MDS 9000 Series today and unlock the full potential of your mainframe environment.

See the Cisco MDS 9000 FICON Solutions