Hercules

Input—per 1M tokens

Output—per 1M tokens

Context—tokens

WeightsClosed

About

Hercules is ranked #6 of 37 in emulator software on Inferse. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. There is a free plan.

Compared on emulator software

Free plan: Yeshercules-390.eu
Supported targets: System/370, ESA/390, z/Architecturehercules-390.eu
Host operating systems: Linux, Windows, Solaris, FreeBSD, Mac OS Xhercules-390.eu
Snapshots and restore: Yeshercules-390.eu
Debugging tools: Yeshercules-390.eu
Network simulation: Yeshercules-390.eu
Automation access: Yeshercules-390.eu

Facts

Purpose: Hercules is an open-source software implementation of the System/370, ESA/390 and 64-bit z/Architecture mainframe architectures.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Execution: It lets a PC execute programs designed to run on an IBM mainframe.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
I/O emulation: Hercules emulates mainframe I/O devices using PC devices, including DASD files and local tn3270 sessions.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Operating systems: Hercules does not provide operating-system facilities, so users must supply an operating system or standalone program.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Architecture support: The emulator can run z/OS, z/VM, z/VSE, OS/390, VM/ESA, VSE/ESA and older related IBM operating systems when legally licensed.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Key features: Advanced features include dynamic reconfiguration, an integrated console, interpretive execution and z/Architecture support.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Networking: Hercules can connect guest TCP/IP networking to the host through a TUN/TAP interface and its hercifc program.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Shared devices: Shared device support allows multiple Hercules instances to share devices through client and server instances.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Security: The networking documentation warns that unrestricted access to hercifc can create a potential security exposure.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
License: Hercules is OSI Certified Open Source Software licensed under the Q Public Licence.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Production suitability: The FAQ says Hercules has never claimed to be production-capable and was intended as a system programmer's toy.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Support: Paid technical support may be available through Open Source Mainframes, Inc., while free support is provided through Hercules discussion forums.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Download formats: The site offers source archives plus Windows 32-bit and 64-bit installer and binary packages.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Unimplemented features: Documented unsupported features include ESCON, FICON, PR/SM, coupling links and several z/Architecture facilities.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026