zFrame Technical Information

 
  

For some further technical information, check the zFrame Technical References page

This page will provide an introduction to the technologies used on the Cornerstone zFrame. There are three key parts to the zFrame technology:

  1. IBM® xSeries® Servers
  2. FLEX-ES® from Fundamental Software, Inc.
  3. Cornerstone Systems Inc. services and expertise

We'll take a closer look at each of these areas, with links to more in-depth information included.

IBM xSeries Servers

You may wonder why we use IBM components for our zFrame systems? While it is possible to use other companies components, we feel that our customers deserve only the best available. IBM components are not always the least expensive, but they are the best money can buy. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) has been proven to be much lower and availability much higher when using IBM based systems. IBM and Gartner Group have each conducted extensive studies on both hardware availability and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the IBM xSeries processors and their nearest competition. These findings have been presented at IBM's PartnerWorld and similar events. IBM's ROA tool is based on Gartner's methodology and research data. It consistently demonstrates a greater TCO savings of 30% to 35% over competitive processors. IBM delivers "mainframe inspired technologies at lower cost to the customer". You receive Enterprise xArchitecture™ and IBM's world-class support. The following demonstrates how IBM achieves better availability. We believe when you leave IBM out of your processor decision, you compromise the overall performance and availability levels of your total systems solution.

Fundamental Software's FLEX-ES

While the IBM xSeries Servers provide the framework or skeleton for zFrames, FLEX- ES provides the heart of the system. FLEX-ES provides an emulation of the complete IBM S/390 architecture. This includes not only all instructions, but also the I/O subsystem, channels, devices, memory management, and external interfaces and controls. FLEX-ES can be thought of as providing a layer of microcode which runs on Intel® architecture 'hardware' and provides a fully functional S/390 hardware environment for the software which it hosts. For a more detailed look at FLEX-ES, follow this link to see the FLEX-ES functional overview.

Fundamental Software, Inc. (FSI), founded in 1993, is a privately held corporation located in the Silicon Valley city of Fremont, California. FSI builds mainframe computers in software. The company's premier product, FLEX-ES, runs hundreds of mission-critical mainframe and development systems worldwide. Rigorous testing by FSI, IBM, and third-party performance labs confirm that FLEX-ES is the only proven mainframe in software for the traditional IT enterprise, the server-centric data center, and the mainframe developer. FLEX-ES runs mainframe applications under all System/390 operating systems, supports most traditional peripherals, and provides innovative emulated and SCSI mainframe devices. We feel FLEX-ES software in combination with IBM's hardware results in a very cost effective mainframe solution for both development and mission critical applications with very impressive availability numbers. FLEX-ES is a true Plug-Compatible Mainframe (PCM) which may be configured as a drop-in replacement for many existing mainframe installations. FLEX-ES goes beyond conventional plug compatibility. It provides a level of configurability and a diversity of device support, which makes it the most Flexible Enterprise Solution.

Cornerstone Systems Services Group

The S/390 Enablement group of Cornerstone Systems brings together the best possible combination of FLEX-ES experience, small S/390 systems experience, and IBM zSeries capabilities. They provide a unique blend of experience from within IBM and with one of the best known and most capable IBM Business partners.

Founded in 1991, Cornerstone Systems, Inc. is one of the largest IBM Premier Business Partners. Cornerstone has established itself as a leader in providing technical support and application development services for mainframe and Unix operating system environments. Cornerstone specializes in providing technical support and systems programming services for the IBM operating environments of z/OS, OS/390, z/VM, and VSE including subsystems such as CICS, DB2, IMS, NCP, VTAM, TCP/IP, Security Server and Netview. Cornerstone's business has expanded over the years from providing Enterprise Systems support at the operating systems and subsystems level to including UNIX® systems administration, Lotus Notes/Domino® application development and support services. In addition, Cornerstone Systems, Inc. was selected by IBM to become a remarketer of zSeries, pSeries® and xSeries technology, software and storage products.

Cornerstone has received several IBM awards for leadership and is recognized within the industry for superior systems support and high customer satisfaction. Systems support activity includes hardware and software configuration analysis, systems assurance, pre-installation planning, base system migration and operator training. Cornerstone provides all of the IBM zSeries Technology Value Added Enhancements including E-Commerce, Lotus Domino, Server Consolidation, Internet Connection, Linux®, Parallel Sysplex and UNIX Porting, in addition to system and competitive migrations.

Cornerstone has established itself as a leader in providing infrastructure support services across North America. We are in the business of providing successful infrastructure support to let our clients retain specific skilled workers and enable them to focus on high value -added, strategic uses, while we provide the utility infrastructure support. Our offerings include support for both mainframe and open systems environments and cover the following areas:

If you take the time to review and understand the technology and expertise that goes into every zFrame we think you'll agree that this is indeed the best product of it's kind on the market today.