Mainframe computers are powerful and flexibile enough to handle a variety of work.
When IBM announced the zEnterprise mainframe in the summer of 2010 it put to rest the idea that the mainframe is dead. Large organizations still rely on the power that mainframe computers deliver. These workhorse machines deliver large-volume transaction processing, rapid access to stored information, security, availability and reliability that cannot be matched by their smaller server-class cousins. In addition, mainframes are flexible, accommodating workloads of varying types.
Financial Institutions
When you go online to check your balance or step up to an ATM to withdraw money you are accessing a mainframe computer somewhere. While the online screen looks nice, thanks to the graphics capabilities of personal computers, there is a mainframe handling the heavy lifting involved in processing your request. The same is likely true of your 401k account or other financial investments that you have. Large financial institutions rely on the mainframe's ability to process millions of transactions daily to provide customer service and meet their obligations.
Government Operations
Checking on your Social Security has never been easier, thanks to the United States government's use of mainframe computers. Massive databases hold information on the recipients of government services and government dollars. The government also uses its mainframe computers to manage its own personnel, from storing typical employee information to processing payroll for the many government workers, including the military.
Scientific Research
Scientific research organizations rely on mainframe computers for analyzing and modeling data. Large volumes of input can be processed in very short time frames due to the massive processing power of mainframes. This capability allows scientists to change one variable in their model and quickly arrive at a potential outcome. Some examples are environmental modeling, disease modeling, genetic research and population modeling.
Insurance Companies
Large insurance companies have millions of customers, most of whom have several dependents on their policies. These customers pay premiums and file claims, creating a large database and a large transaction volume. Mainframes are perfectly suited to handle both, which is why large insurance companies use mainframe computers to handle their processing. As with any other organization that provides an online interface for customer service, there is a mainframe handling the real workload.
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