IBM Power as a platform for demanding applications

Power isn't just an alternative - it's a platform for businesses that run mission-critical systems, demand high availability and want to grow without compromise. Content and cloud service providers will also appreciate its power. Beyond the traditional domain, such as complex database systems like SAP HANA or Oracle, Power is proving itself in other areas where performance, reliability and control are at stake:

• Workload virtualization and consolidation:

PowerVM enables extremely efficient virtualization with minimal overhead. This means that hundreds of application instances can run in isolation, stably and with high performance - even at high density on a physical machine. And without the need to license third-party software like Vmware.

• AI and machine learning:

With PowerAI support and GPU connectivity (e.g. NVIDIA NVLink), Power is ideal for training and running AI models. It offers high memory bandwidth, parallelization and optimizations for libraries such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.

• ERP systems and enterprise applications:

The IBM i platform, running on Power, forms the backbone of many mission-critical systems in manufacturing, logistics, banking and government. With high availability and native support for databases and transaction processing, it provides years of stable operation without interruption.

• Security of processed data:

Integrated hardware encryption (e.g. Transparent Memory Encryption) protects data in real time without slowing down the system. For environments where security is not an "afterthought" but a basic requirement, Power is a safe bet.

• High-availability cluster and disaster recovery:

The combination of Power systems with solutions such as PowerHA or IBM Spectrum Scale allows building highly available clusters with minimal RPO/RTO. Critical systems run continuously, without downtime and without the need for reboots.

With features such as dynamic firmware updates, advanced RAS (Reliability, Availability, Serviceability) and modular architecture, Power systems can run for years without interruption. This significantly reduces maintenance costs and eliminates outages that would otherwise affect the entire organization.

Quantum security and advanced encryption

Power without safety is a risk. And it's in the area of security that IBM Power shows why it's more than just a powerful platform - it's an infrastructure designed for a world where data is not only valuable, but constantly at risk.

Power integrates security directly into the architecture - no compromise required, no performance impact. What's more, it's not just focused on today's threats, but already envisions a future where quantum computers will transform the world of cryptography.

Memory encryption without slowdown

One example is Transparent Memory Encryption (TME) , a technology that encrypts the entire operating memory in real time without affecting system performance. TME protects data at every moment of its existence - during processing, at rest and in transit.

Performance for cryptography without compromise

Power processors feature up to four times the number of crypto engines per core, allowing them to process algorithms such as AES-256, SHA2 and SHA3 up to 2.5× faster than conventional platforms. This performance isn't theoretical - it actually reduces the CPU load when encrypting disks, network traffic or application layer data. Users of features like AIX Logical Volume Encryption benefit directly - without performance loss and without complex configuration.

Fully Homomorphic Encryption - the future is here

Power is also one of the first platforms preparing to deploy Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) , a method that allows data to be handled without decryption. With instruction set-level optimizations and library support for FHE, Power is a good choice for organizations looking to prepare their systems for the future of secure computing in the cloud.

Fewer vulnerabilities, fewer outages

Long-term statistics show that systems such as PowerVM, AIX and IBM i have significantly fewer vulnerabilities than common x86 virtualization platforms. The result:

• Less emergency interventions
• Fewer updates that require a restart
• Higher operational continuity

For companies where minutes of downtime mean losses in the millions, it makes a huge difference.

Ready for the quantum era

The security risks of the future are not hypothetical - with the advent of quantum computing, the rules of the game are changing. IBM Power is already responding today. New generations of platforms support Quantum-Safe Cryptography - cryptography resistant to quantum attacks, in line with expected NIST standards. This protects not only today's data, but also infrastructure investments that will remain secure well into the next decade.

Cryptographic coprocessors for maximum security

IBM also offers specialized cryptographic coprocessors (HSM modules) for the most demanding environments. These:

• Perform secure operations such as encryption key generation and storage, digital signatures and access control
• Relieve the load on the main processor
• Meet FIPS 140-2 Level 4 certification - the highest possible standard for resistance to physical attack

This makes them the number one choice for banks, insurance companies, government and critical infrastructure operators.