Announcement : IBM z/VSE V5.1 - Additional enhancements available

z/VSE 5.1 has been generally available since November 11, 2011. Today some enhancements have been announced : 'IBM z/VSE V5.1 - Additional enhancements available (ZP13-0116)'.

Here's an overview :

• Support innovative IBM zEnterprise EC12 technology
  • Configurable Crypto Express4S
  • OSA-Express4S 1000BASE-T
• Support enhanced IBM System Storage options
  • IBM System Storage TS1140
  • IBM System Storage TS7700 Virtualization Engine Release 3.0
  • IBM System Storage DS8870
  • IBM Storwize V7000 Release 6.4
• Allow 64-bit Input/Output (I/O) processing for applications
• Extend the z/VSE connectivity and networking options in heterogeneous environments
• Provide IPv6/VSE V1.1 security enhancements

These enhancements will be made available with PTFs for z/VSE V5.1 with a GA of June 14, 2013.

I also see a couple of interesting Statements of Direction :

"IBM intends to add functionality that allows initial installation of z/VSE without requiring a physical tape. Clients who use a tape for initial installation only may no longer be forced to include a tape in the z/VSE configuration. With this ease of use function IBM will fulfill client requirements.

It is planned to reduce the AEWLC and MWLC list price of IPv6/VSE V1.1."

If you want to know more about this, there's a Live Virtual Class today at 5 p.m. Brussels Time. You can register over here.