Getting work onto zIIP processors
April 19, 2011 (SearchDataCenter) By Robert Crawford
When IBM introduced the zIIP, it sounded like a great idea. Here was an engine that would run at full speed, even on kneecapped processors, and didn't count against capacity-based software licenses. A few minutes later, we found out there were some catches.
Getting onto a zIIP
The first hurdle in getting onto a System z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP) is creating the right kind of dispatchable work unit. ZIIP-eligible code must run under enclave Service Request Blocks (SRBs). Sadly, the interface for creating enclave SRBs is unpublished and must be purchased from IBM. This effectively limits the interface for vendors interested in exploiting the new engine type.




