zHyperLink: Low-latency I/O for Db2 on IBM Z and DS8880 Storage

zHyperLink is a new low-latency I/O capability for storage area networks (SANs). When using zHyperLink, the IBM z14 processor, along with the DS8880 Storage System (IBM's latest enterprise-class storage for mainframe attachment), delivers up to a 90% reduction in storage I/O service times compared with fiber channel transport technology. zHyperLink I/O service times eliminate the need for an operating system task switch for most read I/O operations, fundamentally improving application response times and changing system scaling behavior. Initial use of zHyperLink on IBM Z, IBM DS8880 storage, and z/OS accelerates the Db2 for z/OS relational database transaction processing information management system hierarchal database and reduces the elapsed time for Virtual Storage Access Method applications. These improvements occur without any application changes. In this paper, we explain the strategic importance of a low-latency I/O capability for the SAN and describe the z14 architecture, hardware, firmware, and software implementation concepts and the preliminary performance results for Db2.