IBM unveiled a new mainframe computer called "zEnterprise," which it said was the most powerful mainframe ever and is more cost-efficient than previous-generation products.

IBM said its zEnterprise is 40 percent to 60 percent faster than its predecessor, System z10, but uses about the same amount of electricity.

IBM said it spent $1.5 billion on research and development for the zEnterprise system in a 4-year project involving over 5,000 of its employees.

The Armonk, New York-based company did not disclose the price of the product, but said its price relative to capacity would be lower than for the z10.

BDST: 1845 HRS, 23 July 2010