IBM recently released its new System z10 mainframe which, with the highest capacity yet in the z-series mainframes, runs 50 percent faster than its predecessor, System z9. IBM believes its System z10 provides the same computing capability as 1,500 x86 servers, and uses 85 percent less energy and floor space. It runs workloads in Java, Linux, WebSphere and XML containers. With System z10, IBM also released help tools for developers and project managers to more easily facilitate mainframe management and automate mainframe applications development and deployment. The modernization of z-series mainframes parallels IBMs recent overhaul of System-i which launched a month prior to System z10. The director of enterprise modernization marketing programs at IBM Rational stated the WebSphere Development Studio Client for System-z and System-i had limited third-party support, which left the enterprise modernization products running in place on WebSphere. IBM Rational now expects enterprise modernization product sales to grow during 2008 with the new releases of z-series and i-series mainframe systems that have moved away from WebSphere. In addition, IBM Rational sees an opportunity to introduce System-z customers to core Rational products. With System z10, independent software vendors are provided with training programs, technical resources such as System-z seminars, and updated hardware through IBMs Virtual Loaner program. Software developers are provided with a new System-z platform network. College students are provided with the Academic Initiative for System-z, which helps develop mainframe-centered classes. At the System-z Sandbox in IBMs developerWorks website, customers can test drive Rational-branded mainframe software. IBM is also introducing three new System-z Starter Packs, which are IT systems updating kits.