Hello mainframe? iPhone calling

Unisys has updated its ClearPath line of mainframe servers, adding a new ePortal engine that allows iPhone users to access applications running on mainframes.

The five new ClearPath Libra and Dorado models introduced on Tuesday range from entry level to high end, the company said. The machines use new chips and I/O subsystems designed to provide performance improvements. The Libra 780 and Libra 790 use Unisys' proprietary CMOS processors, as do the Dorado 740 and 750. The lower-end Dorado 4050 uses an Intel Xeon x64 chip.

The company also released new versions of its MCP and OS 2200 operating systems, which can be used on all of the new mainframes and on Unisys' existing ClearPath models. The operating systems include support for the ePortal Specialty Engine that promises to let mobile workers use devices such as iPod Touch and iPhone to get into ClearPath applications.

"There isn't a big installed base of iPod users just waiting for this. We're definitely a step ahead of our customers," said Bill Maclean, vice president of ClearPath programs at Unisys.

Using the ePortal Specialty Engine, mobile workers will be able to access critical business data while still benefiting from the scalability and security of the mainframe, according to Unisys.

"We also expect customers will look at the possibility of developing new applications for mobile workers and also for their organizations," added Maclean.

The ePortal engine could be of interest in industries such as air transport and financial services, where Unisys has a strong market share, said Nathaniel Martinez, a program director with market researcher IDC.

"You can already do this with most servers, but it's not something you'd necessarily think of doing with a mainframe because the iPod is so consumer-oriented," said Martinez. "However, I can see it being used for accessing customer account details, or pulling up policy details. If organizations start to think about how they can develop applications for their own customers, it could be very interesting."

Overall, Unisys appears to be positioning itself as part of the increasing move toward Web services and cloud computing, said Martinez, creating a mainframe-based infrastructure that organizations can develop within.

"In the current economic climate, you don't want to rip and replace any mainframe applications, even if you were confident that you could. This is about letting customers benefit from Moore's Law and build services around their mainframes, while also retaining that scalability and computing power."

The ClearPath Libra 780 and 790 start at US$3 million, the Dorado 740 and 750 at US$2 million, and the Dorado 4050 at US$420,000.