Here are a few key differences:

- DISK format / geometry is different. Open uses FBA (Fixed Block Architecture), MF uses CKD (Count Key Data)

- Connection between processor and storage... Open uses Fibre Channel/SCSI etc (SCSI commands). MF uses ESCON/FICON (PSW's - Program Status Words)

- Character sets... Open uses ASCII, MF uses EBCDIC.

- User interface is quite different.

- Mainframe is IBM proprietary.

- In Mainframe you always type in UPPER CASE

- Mainframe admins:

--- Will (in general) have less hair than open guys

--- Will (in general) larger tummies than open guys

--- Will not drink out of a cup with /dev/mug printed on it.

--- May have plastic blow-up dinosaur sitting somewhere on their desk.

OK, my tongue is planted in my cheek on those last points... I'm allowed coz I'm a mainframe guy :-)

There are lots of difference really... What specifically are you wanting to know?

Hahahaha, I especially like the /dev/mug ! Can I order that one anywhere ??

Google search to the rescue:

http://www.cafepress.com/+dev+mugs

ahh ..so true, it might be the next hot skill to have

i don't know about all that, banking, healthcare ..still live and kicking and not going anywhere.

RobertDudley wrote: You also forgot that most mainframers are near retirement.

You also forgot that most mainframers are near retirement.

Open systems people have no idea what channel end device end means.

RRR -- if you find a mug send me the URL so I can order one too please.

dynamox not the hardware the people - mainframer = person who is mainframe centric.

And i agree the mainframe itself isnt going anywhere anytime soon; they are too big and heavy.

Hahaha. Too big and heavy.... LOL

They did that on purpose !

RRR wrote: the ability to lift these dynosaurs out of the data center ?

what are you talking about ? Our mainframe is sexy and agile . I bet you can't say the same thing about your HPUX box that keeps droppig paths. hehe

the ability to lift these dynosaurs out of the data center ?