Are you new to the IBM System z platform?

Then whether you’re a developer in an ISV or an enterprise, you may want to check out the easy-to-use IBM System z Personal Development tool (zPDT) Technology!

If you’re an ISV, with zPDT you can afford a virtual System z environment of your own. Using zPDT for development can help you open up new markets and opportunities for your applications.

zPDT is designed to provide qualified IBM ISVs with a low-cost platform for System z application development, testing, education, and demo capabilities for z/OS, z/VM, z/VSE, and Linux on System z operating systems. To become a qualified ISV you need to be approved for the IBM System z Developer Discount Program and be an IBM PartnerWorld member.

zPDT technology allows a user to run a supported System z operating system with middleware and applications unchanged on x86-based and x86-compatible laptops and server systems approved by IBM.

But zPDT is not just available for ISVs. If you’re  a customer, an IBM business partner, or a systems integrator, you can get zPDT technology as part of the Rational Developer for System z Unit Test feature.

The Rational Development and Test Environment for System z allows mainframe operating systems, middleware, and software to run on Intel and Intel-compatible platforms. That means you don’t need System z mainframe hardware for your initial set of development activities.

The Rational Development and Test Environment for System z can be used to develop and test new application functions as well as for maintenance changes. What’s more, the Rational Development and Test Environment for System z is licensed for investigating and verifying new middleware levels (version-to-version upgrades), prototyping new application architectures, demonstrating application functions, or training internal employees.

If you want to learn more about the zPDT technology, watch the SUSE introduction and live demo video at YouTube.

And stay tuned for more information to come here on the SUSE blog …