Big Iron
Enhanced Definition
Colloquial term for mainframe computers, referring to their large physical size, robust construction, and reliable operation. The term emphasizes the physical presence and industrial-strength nature of mainframe systems.
Key Characteristics
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- Large physical footprint requiring data center space
- Robust hardware designed for continuous operation
- Extensive redundancy and fault tolerance
- Significant cooling and power requirements
- High reliability and availability (99.999% or higher)
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Physical Characteristics:
- Multiple equipment racks and frames
- Redundant power supplies and cooling systems
- Hot-swappable components for continuous operation
- Specialized raised floor data center requirements
- Extensive cabling and connectivity infrastructure
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Cultural Significance:
- Represents enterprise-class computing power
- Associated with mission-critical business operations
- Contrast to distributed "commodity" servers
- Symbol of corporate IT investment and commitment
- Part of mainframe professional identity
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Modern Context:
- Current mainframes smaller than predecessors
- More energy-efficient than older models
- Integration with cloud and distributed systems
- Continued relevance for core business processing
- Evolution toward hybrid architectures
Use Cases
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- Enterprise data processing and transaction systems
- Banking and financial services infrastructure
- Insurance policy and claims processing
- Airline reservation systems
- Government service delivery platforms
Related Concepts
Related to: Mainframe, z/Architecture, Data Center, High Availability