A mainframe is a powerful computer used primarily by large organizations for critical applications like bulk data processing for tasks such as censuses, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and financial transaction processing. The term "mainframe" was derived from the large cabinet, called a main frame, that housed the central processing unit and main memory of early computers. Modern mainframe design is characterized less by raw computational speed and more by redundant internal engineering resulting in high reliability and security. Mainframes are designed to handle very high volume input and output (I/O) and emphasize throughput computing. They can process up to 1 trillion web transactions daily with the highest levels of security and reliability.
Mainframes are the central data repository, or hub, in a corporations data processing center, linked to users through less powerful devices such as terminals or personal computers. They are known for their ability to handle high-volume input and output (I/O), and add or hot swap system capacity, without disruption to the business. Most mainframes can run multiple operating systems. A single mainframe can replace dozens, or even hundreds of smaller servers, whereas the reverse would be difficult to achieve with the same levels of reliability.
In summary, a mainframe is a style of computing characterized by high reliability, security, and the ability to handle very high volume input and output (I/O) . It is a powerful computer used primarily by large organizations for critical applications like bulk data processing, financial transaction processing, and enterprise resource planning.
