IBM z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP) is a specialty processor for IBM Z that offloads eligible z/OS workloads from general-purpose central processors to free CP capacity and potentially reduce MSU-influenced software licensing charges.
Published May 16, 2026
Because zIIP is not a standalone platform, the competitive set is best represented as alternative capacity and cost strategies.
| Starting Price | Not published as a simple list price; configuration and contract dependent | Not typically published as a simple list price; depends on system configuration | Highly variable (published per-unit and operational pricing; additional costs may apply) |
| Best For | Offloading eligible z/OS workloads to reduce CP pressure and potentially lower MLC exposure | Running Linux workloads on IBM Z/LinuxONE efficiently | Workloads that can be re-architected away from mainframe constraints |
| Key Strength | Can reduce CP usage and potentially affect licensing exposure for eligible work, subject to licensing rules and system behavior | Consolidation of Linux workloads on Z with strong virtualization support | Elasticity, broader talent pool, and broader service ecosystem |
| Key Weakness | Limited to eligible workloads; savings can be non-linear and modeling is complex | Only for Linux; does not directly reduce z/OS CP MLC for traditional workloads | Migration risk, refactoring cost, latency/data gravity, and compliance implications |
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Where zIIP tends to be most applicable
Where alternatives can be stronger
Competitor and ecosystem perspectives