Sysplex time synchronization using IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP)

Timekeeping and highly accurate, precise time synchronization are key requirements for modern information technology systems. While true for several industries, this is especially true for industries involved in transaction processing such as the financial industry. As such, the IBM Z Sysplex needs highly accurate timing/timekeeping and synchronization technology to ensure data integrity, and to also provide the ability to reconstruct a database based upon logs. Recently enacted changes and new regulatory requirements, both in Europe and the United States, have brought increasing attention to time synchronization accuracy. These regulations spurred an interest, both from IBM Z and from our IBM Z clients, in the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) being implemented in IBM Z. This article explains the history of PTP, PTP technology, the regulations that led IBM to introduce PTP to IBM Z, PTP's implementation on IBM Z, and IBM's involvement and leadership in the development of the PTP technology and standards going forward.