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## 2.1 Prerequisites 

When considering zCX, you must plan for IBM Z hardware features as well as z/OS, the underlying operating system. 

## 2.1.1 IBM Z hardware 

The following IBM Z hardware types support the execution of zCX: 

GLYPH<SM590000> IBM z14fi, type 3906, with the GA2 driver level. 

GLYPH<SM590000> IBM z14 ZR1, type 3907. 

GLYPH<SM590000> IBM z15™, type 8561 model T01. 

## z14 and z15 Feature Code 0104 

Ensure that the IBM Z processor, where you plan to run zCX, has hardware feature code 0104 (Container Hosting Foundation) included. If feature code 0104 is not installed on one of the previously mentioned machine types, it can be configured using the IBM e-config hardware configurator, and ordered through a fee-based MES. Figure 2-1 on page 22 shows you the panel from e-config, where you would select feature code 0104 for an IBM z14 system. For IBM z15 configurations, you would select the same feature code. 

<img src='content_image/980880.jpg'>

## CPU planning 

To prepare the setup of your zCX environment, you must plan for processor usage. zCX instances can run on either general purpose or zIIP processors. One advantage of running zCX on zIIP processors is that it does not affect your software bill. The other advantage is, 

