IBM Systems Magazine, Mainframe - September/October 2017 - 54
ADMINISTRATOR Accelerator (DAA) package com/ ibm/dataaccess was introduced in IBM Java 7.1 to ensure optimal data marshaling and operations of BCDs within Java. The IBM JVM, when running on IBM Z, can recognize DAA packed decimal methods and exploit z/Architecture* packed decimal instructions intrinsically. By exploiting the same set of instructions as COBOL, this JVM feature allows Java to achieve near-COBOL performance for decimal processing. Using the toolkit for Java on Z JZOS Medicare Record application, IBM has measured up to 2x better performance with DAA library and its hardware acceleration. In IBM z14, a new set of packed decimal hardware instructions have been introduced to operate with 128-bit-wide vector registers. Prior hardware generations only supported packed decimal operations using memory-to-memory SSformat instructions. The new z14 instructions deliver better performance by avoiding the cache/ memory latencies inherent with the older SS-format instructions. With IBM Java 8 SR5, the JVM can detect when an application is running on an IBM z14, and transparently exploit these new z14 instructions without any application recompilation required. Continuous Investment Java on Z is enabling the mainframe to participate and drive modern data center ; A 2016 survey of IBM Z clients using Java on Z found more than 80% described their project as successful or very successful innovation. Clients who have embraced Java on Z are capturing skills and lowering costs, while building portable applications that offer true fit-for-purpose placement in the data center. IBM has invested heavily in Java on Z for over a decade. With the z14, IBM continues this aggressive investment. With new leading edge hardware facilities like pause-less GC, high-performance encryption and decimal processing acceleration, Java on Z has secure and high-performance transaction processing at-scale. This sustained focus on the IBM JVM has given it industry-leading performance and security while continuing to pay dividends for the many clients who have adopted Java on Z. MARCH 11-16 Sacramento Convention Center Sacramento, CA Share Your Expertise 54 // SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 ibmsystemsmag.com Take part in SHARE® Sacramento and submit your presentation proposal by October 6, 2017. Learn more at event.share.org/IBMSystemsAd.