System z9. It allows Linux systems running in an LPAR to re-IPL (reboot) themselves without operator intervention. This is accomplished by the System z9 storing the device and load parameters used to initially IPL the system. DB2 and VSAM features DB2, VSAM, and other data storage formats achieve greater I/O performance thanks to a new System z9 feature called a MIDAW. Also, the System z9 introduces the , a new type of processor that accelerates certain specific DB2 tasks. Modified Indirect Data Address Words (MIDAWs) are a channel programming capability of the IBM System z9 processor range, and all subsequent ranges. The MIDAW facility is an extension to the pre-existing Indirect Data Address Word (IDAW) channel programming capability, providing support for more efficient FICON channel programs. MIDAWs allow ECKD channel programs to read and write to many storage locations using one channel command, which means fewer signals up and down the channel are required to transfer the same amount of data. This reduction is particularly noticeable for Extended Format data sets, accessed through Media Manager. Examples include Extended Format Sequential data sets, Extended Format VSAM data sets and certain types of DB2 tablespaces. While each of these data set organizations have alternatives, each has a distinct set of advantages, whether in the area of performance, space saving (through hardware-assisted data compression), or scalability (by allowing an individual data set to exceed 4 GiB). Java features Java 1.4 and higher support both 32-bit and 64-bit operation on z9. The System z9 also supports the zAAP processor, which allows most of the Java workload to be offloaded from the normal instruction processors. Java workloads executed by the zAAP processor do not count towards the IBM-rated capacity of the z9. This reduces the z9's total cost of ownership compared with other IBM platforms, as otherwise IBM would raise a customer's (software) license fees after installing an additional (hardware) processor. The zAAP also enables integration of new Java based Web applications with core z/OS backend database environment for high performance, reliability, availability, and security. Cryptography The System z9 adds 128-Bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to the list of hardware-based cryptographic algorithms. Other hardware-boosted features include additional random number generation and SHA algorithms. This specialized encryption hardware means System z9 potentially outperforms other platforms which must rely on encryption software. LPARs The System z9 supports up to 60 LPARs, up from the previous maximum of