LinuxonZ

LinuxonZ is an open-source Linux distribution designed to run on IBM Z hardware and other s390x systems. It targets enterprise workloads that demand stability, security, and scalability, including databases, batch processing, and virtualization. The project provides installation media, a curated kernel with s390x optimizations, and a set of userland packages built for z/Architecture. LinuxonZ emphasizes compatibility with standard Linux tooling, system administration practices, and contemporary security features, while offering configurations aimed at high availability and reliable I/O performance on mainframe-class hardware.

Development and release model. Originating from a collaboration among IBM Z users, kernel developers, and open-source contributors in the early days of Linux on z, LinuxonZ seeks to deliver an enterprise-grade platform with clear upgrade paths. It follows a community-driven governance model, releasing regular point updates and long-term support editions for production environments.

Technical details. LinuxonZ runs on the s390x architecture, supporting large memory configurations and advanced I/O facilities typical of IBM Z systems. It includes kernel and firmware considerations for mainframe hardware, supports KVM-based virtualization, and integrates with z/VM when deployed in virtualized environments. The distribution ships with management and monitoring tools tailored to mainframe contexts and provides documentation for migration from other Linux distributions on s390x.

Reception and usage. In practice, it has seen adoption in research labs and some enterprise sites that operate mainframes or IBM Z-compatible servers, where users value long-term stability and formal support channels.

See also: Linux on IBM Z, s390x, IBM Z, KVM on s390x.