IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced new configurations for its IBM z17 and IBM LinuxONE 5 systems, marking the first time the company is offering rack mount alongside single frame options across its full Z and LinuxONE portfolio.

The new configurations support up to 82 cores and 18 TB of memory across two processor drawers, representing approximately a 20% increase in core count and a 12% increase in memory capacity compared to prior offerings. Single processor capacity of the IBM z17 ME2 provides 10% greater throughput per core than the IBM z16 A02, with variation based on workload and configuration.

The expanded lineup includes the IBM z17 single frame, IBM z17 rack mount, IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper 5 in both single frame and rack mount configurations, and a compact 18U IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper 5 Express option aimed at organizations supporting a smaller set of workloads.

IBM also announced several software additions. IBM Infrastructure Management for Z and LinuxONE will support Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code automation. IBM COBOL Elevate for z/OS is designed to help modernize COBOL applications running on IBM z17 without requiring code rewrites. Post-quantum cryptography has been made standard on z17 and LinuxONE Rockhopper 5 systems, and new IBM Crypto Discovery and Inventory capabilities offer enterprise-wide visibility into cryptographic posture.

"The number of mission-critical workloads is rising at an incredible pace, forcing organizations to make tough decisions about performance, AI integration, and infrastructure footprint," said Tom McPherson, General Manager, IBM Z and LinuxONE.

The new z17 and LinuxONE 5 configurations will be generally available August 12, 2026. IBM Infrastructure Management for IBM Z and IBM LinuxONE will be available August 14, 2026. IBM COBOL Elevate for z/OS is scheduled for general availability September 18, 2026.