Some people travel to Rome, while others go to Mecca. My pilgrimage is to Poughkeepsie, home of the mainframe. I had high expectations before the trip, but the history, present, and future of this mighty platform exceeded them all, leaving me truly impressed. 

The Mighty Mainframe Conference is just around the corner, and we’re excited to announce that Emma Skovgård will unveil a new free and open-source software project at the event. After months of experimenting with RACF and security utilities in Python, she’s developed something exciting using the RACFU API. Attendees will get an exclusive first look at the project and get limited edition pins as a celebration to this new software reveal. 

zStudy Tour 2025 – future-proofing the mighty platform  

Last week, I attended zStudy Tour, a 3-day briefing for mainframe customers and business partners from the Nordics, Benelux, and Central Europe. The event took place at the IBM Innovation Center in Poughkeepsie and the new IBM flagship office at One Madison Avenue in New York City. 

Ross Mauri, General Manager of IBM Z and LinuxONE, delivered the opening keynote session. He was reassuring and calm, like an athlete entering the Olympic arena, confident in winning a gold medal after a years of dedicated training. While I can’t discuss the new zNext server publicly, it’s truly impressive to see how IBM continues to maintain a high tempo of innovations with each new generation of hardware. 

AI is now the new powerhouse in town, and the mainframe is fully equipped to harness its potential! With the new Spyre AI Accelerator, you can run multiple models and predictive AI simultaneously on the mainframe platform. I believe there’s a consensus among enterprise architects that this is the way to go with AI in enterprise IT, and IBM has taken an excellent pole position before the race. Cyber resilience is another sphere of excellence for the mainframe. Combined with old favorites like reliability, scalability, and security, the mainframe is truly a future-proof platform. 

Mainframe modernization and the skills gap are definitely the main open issues in the mainframe community nowadays. IBM is betting on watsonX AI assistants to help developers and sysprogs close the gap. Joanie Gines, VP of Z DevOps & WCA4Z, explained the latest updates to the tools, and I find them incredibly impressive! We are not there yet, but we’re getting close. 

The highlight of the tour was the visit to the Z Test Center. After the tour, nobody had any doubts left about why the mainframe is the most robust platform and how beautiful real hardware engineering is. I had always wondered about the origin of the fascination with mainframe hardware, but after the visit to Test Center I have joined the club. 

I love NYC! Some people think it’s crazy, but I find it fascinating every time. I enjoyed cycling around Manhattan and Brooklyn—felt almost like David Byrne. Since my last visit, the bike lanes have improved big time, and Citibikes are robust and cool. 

Power of the Mainframe System Automation 

Ensuring IT systems stay reliable and efficient has never been simple, and as environments grow more complex, the pressure on IT teams only increases. That’s why automation and real-time collaboration aren’t just helpful, they’re game-changers. IBM System Automation, SMU, and IBM Z ChatOps take a lot of the manual work off operators’ plates, making it easier to detect issues, resolve incidents faster, and keep teams connected through Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Mattermost. 
 
Instead of scrambling to diagnose problems, IT teams get instant insights and suggested recovery steps, all in one place. It’s a shift from reacting to problems to staying ahead of them. If this sounds like something your team could use, Marko Jurman’s latest blog, dives deeper into how it all works. Definitely worth checking out! 

Industry insights 

The mainframe community is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming announcement of zNext during IBM Z Day 2025 Special Edition. This event will unveil a new AI accelerator and much more. We’ve organized a watch party at the CROZ office in Zagreb, Croatia on April 8th, starting at 15:00 CET, where customers, IBMers, and mainframe enthusiasts can gather to share some great mainframe vibes! 

Click here to join the party!

A new concertmaster in Munich, wonderful bunch of young speakers at Mainframe Conference, AI tools that are just getting better – mainframe is very much alive this spring. Not to mention the forthcoming announcement of zNext! 

A Mainframe Maestro Joins the CROZ Team 

I am excited to welcome a valuable addition to our team in Munich (Germany): our newest CROZlleague and my fellow mainframer, Armin Kramer. Armin is a mainframe maestro and a fanboy with a deep understanding of mainframe modernization.

Mainframe modernization can have a myriad of meanings. It isn’t about overhauling everything at once, it’s about continuous, meaningful progress. It also has a lot about the modernization of the mindset. For example, upgrading to modern IDEs, automating workflows with DevOps pipelines, and introducing AI to help sysprogs and DB admins can significantly boost efficiency. Small, consistent improvements help keep systems relevant and reduce risk. So that’s not so easy to answer. Check out Armin’s latest blog for more information and ideas for mainframe modernization.

Mainframe Conference Speaker Lineup Just Got Mightier

The world belongs to the young, which is why the Mighty Mainframe Conference brings a new generation of mainframers to the stage: Emma Skovgård (Danske Bank), Nathan Degryse (Belfius), Viktor Quina (KBC Bank), and Tim McKeoun (IBM). These young professionals are not bothered by tedious stories about the supposed decline of the mainframe. They bring new energy and see the mainframe platform as a natural part of today’s digital landscape. The blend of youth and experience makes the mainframe so special, and Thomas Liechti (UBS), our own Armin Kramer, and Rosalind Radcliffe (IBM) will share their wealth of knowledge.

The primary focus of the conference will be the modernization of the platform in the context of UNcomplex and the upbringing of the new generation of mainframers. There will be two block sessions on Tuesday morning, each featuring short talks, plenty of dialogue, and open-space discussions.

For more details and registration, visit the conference website.

WatsonX Code Assistant for Z : the latest updates

We have been closely following the development of WatsonX Code Assistant for Z, and I believe AI tools have a bright future . Since its initial release, the tool has seen significant updates to support a broader range of use cases and programming languages.

The latest WCA4Z update brings PL/I support in the Code Explanation feature, allowing users to summarize and explain PL/I code within VS Code. Refactoring Assistant has also been improved with dynamic COBOL program analysis, offering enhanced graph views that visualize business logic execution.

Instead of going through a boring changelog, check out our updated overview of WatsonX Code Assistant for Z, now featuring the latest versions and enhancements.

Industry Insights

I remember the first time I heard students talk about mainframe technology—they assumed it was something ancient, slow, and out of touch with modern IT. That changed quickly. Seeing young professionals dive into mainframe and uncover its real strengths is always refreshing.

They come in expecting a history lesson and leave with an ‘aha!’ Moment, realizing they’re working with some of the most resilient and high-performing systems out there. With FERIT Mainframe Academy lectures kicking off next week, students will get hands-on experience and see this technology in action. Check how mainframes appear in young students minds here.

Congratulations, you’re an IBM Champion! Earlier this week, I received an email with that fantastic subject line.

It triggered a retrospective – does what I am doing make sense?

I started the Mighty Mainframe newsletter back in May ’23 because I felt a new energy in the community and wanted to help build bridges between the mainframe and the rest of the IT community. Obviously, the answer is mainframe modernization, and it has to start from within our community. (Emma Skovgård published a great post about the ‘technical conservatism’ of our community, and she’s truly an authentic voice of Gen Z mainframers.)

Last year we organized the first Mighty Mainframe Conference and we are very busy preparing the next one. I got plenty of feedback for the newsletter and I especially enjoyed conversations with diverse people from the community.

Yes, it makes a lot of sense, and being recognized by IBM is only a very nice formal cherry on the top.

Your Sysprog Buddy is Here: Meet WA4Z

After Watsonx Code Assistant for Z made waves, its cousin, watsonx Assistant for Z (WA4Z), steps into the spotlight with a different purpose: simplifying the lives of system programmers. WA4Z is tailored for operations, acting as an intelligent partner for automating repetitive tasks, delivering precise answers, and providing actionable insights in real-time

Forget about BookManager (does anyone remember it?), tedious googling for error code explanations, or endless scrolling through shelves of PDF books. Just ask WA4Z using a standard ChatGPT-like prompt. Additionally, the new feature ‘Bring Your Own Documentation’ allows users to ingest their own documentation into WA4Z, providing more accurate and relevant insights, recommendations, and automation tailored to the unique needs of each organization.

I think this is a killer feature. Combined with flexible deployment options that fit any infrastructure, WA4Z is becoming the reliable buddy every organization can count on for operational excellence.

If you want to explore its capabilities further or dive into the changelog and upcoming enhancements, check out Tomislav Mašić’s blog.

Uncomplex the Mighty Mainframe

Last year, we introduced Mighty Mainframe as a conference-within-a-conference at QED, positioning the mainframe as a natural part of the IT landscape rather than an isolated entity. This year, we’ll have fewer mainframe-specific sessions and more mainframe discussions integrated into the main QED track. The primary focus will include the modernization of the platform in the context of UNcomplex and the upbringing of the new generation of mainframers.

The QED Conference has a rich history of bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners in the field of enterprise IT. Over the years, it has become a key platform for challenging conventions, sharing actionable insights, and fostering collaboration. This year, our theme is ‘UNcomplex,’ focusing on rethinking the complexities of modern enterprise IT and exploring new pathways toward simplicity and efficiency.

Industry Insights

Longtime mainframer Joe Gulla has crafted an insightful overview of the evolution of mainframe architecture, published on TechChannel. Dive into the fascinating journey of how mainframes have transformed over the years.

Check out the full articles here:

• How IBM z/Architecture Has Evolved to Address Client Needs: Pausing to Appreciate
• How Mainframe Architecture Makes All the Difference: Then and Now 

While we are already excited about the upcoming season holidays (and the zNext announcement), my unscientific analysis of the pulse of the mainframe nation found that most discussions are focused on two main topics: modernization and operations. Businesses only want new software functionalities and uninterrupted operations, showing little understanding of the skills gap or retirement issues. 

Finding the right answers to these questions will shape our future! 

Modernizing a Legacy Codebase using AI 

Every IT manager and software engineer knows about the costs and risks of outdated software code. However, legacy code represents years of accumulated knowledge, and we can’t just throw it away. Building a knowledge graph of a legacy codebase is an effective strategy for understanding existing software systems and is a giant first step towards modernization. Hrvoje Simic wrote an excellent blog explaining how to build and use a knowledge graph with the RAG approach. It’s not a step-by-step cookbook for modernizing your favorite 30+ year-old Cobol code, but it’s a must-read for any (future) modernization guru. 

Many people believe the primary challenge lies in the fact that Gen Z doesn’t speak COBOL so we need to replace it with Java or other languages. I find this completely wrong; typically, mainframe customers want to keep COBOL (or PL/I) but aim to modernize the developer experience. .

CROZ Mainframe Operations Center 

We are happy to announce the CROZ Mainframe Operations Center (MOC) as a significant addition to our existing Managed Services offering.  

As part of our commitment to “Empowering Mainframe Teams”, the MOC provides smooth and efficient operations, helps maximize uptime, streamlines performance, and optimizes mainframe operations. Our team of trained professional operators monitors the system’s health, keeping an eye on the System Console around the clock. 

By focusing on optimizing operations, the MOC provides a reliable option for customers looking for an alternative or extension of their mainframe operators team.  

At MOC, we are not scared of fires, because our concept is about preventing them from ever starting. It’s about staying one step ahead and keeping the systems running smoothly without the usual surprises.   

Industry Insights

I recently came across a great book for anyone diving into z/OS – Mainframe zOS – Back to Basics by Natabar Sahoo. He compiled notes from his scratchpad, accumulated over 33 years as a z/OS system programmer, and transformed them into this book. It takes a practical, straightforward approach to refreshing and learning the fundamentals of z/OS.  

IBM keeps the brisk pace with the new versions. We are going to take a closer look and let you know more details in the following months: 

• IBM watsonx Code Assistant for Z V2.4 (WCA4Z) brings PL/I Code Explanation and dynamic analysis of software flow 
• IBM watsonx Assistant for Z V2.1 (WA4Z) adds operational insights from Omegamon and other tools, introduces low-code development for skills studio and lowers the hardware prerequisites 

Meeting with young graduates at HOGENT University in Ghent and fresh students at FERIT University in Osijek offered me a new and distinct perspective on the future of mainframes. These young people are not concerned with the “politics.” They naturally appreciate the role of mainframes in today’s digital world, seeing a clear path to becoming well-respected and well-paid professionals. And that makes pretty much sense for me. 

Mainframe fiesta in Osijek

What a day it was! The atmosphere in Osijek was truly special. I attended the opening of the FERIT Mainframe Academy last Friday. With the help of IBM and CROZ, the academy aims to tackle the growing shortage of skilled mainframe workers by providing students with practical experience and education. This initiative addresses the increasing demand for qualified mainframers, and with the current shortage of young professionals, it couldn’t have come at a better time.  

The students, professors, and the dean were all incredibly positive and enthusiastic. You could sense that people were genuinely interested and engaged; they didn’t just show up.

No risk, no fun! Unless it is about #mainframe! Check out the blog to get a sense of the spirit in Osijek.

A Developer’s experience with IBM zDevOps and GitOps

Here at CROZ, we have a new generation of mainframe developers. They quickly pick up PL/I and Cobol, but understanding the full development cycle in mainframe environments is a bit more complex. That’s why we decided to build a sandbox with a simple application that supports typical library business processes. CROZ Library Sandbox allows young developers to explore and experiment with mainframe technology in a dynamic environment powered by IBM zDevOps tools and GitOps principles. In this sandbox, legacy technologies like PL/I, z/OS, CICS, and Db2 blend seamlessly with modern tools like IDz, DBB, and Wazi Deploy, creating a smooth platform for learning and innovation. For more details click here.

Young developers can use CROZ Library Sandbox to interact with complex mainframe technologies in a controlled setting, building the skills needed for the future. It isn’t just about learning; it’s about playing, creating, and growing, turning the world of mainframe development into an exciting, interactive adventure. 

Surprisingly, some young developers, after using IDz (or VS code) during their initial learning period, stepped back to ISPF because of its efficiency. Now, they are going hybrid and using both tools at the same time. 

Industry Insights

I spoke with Marko Jurman recently about the adoption of 𝐳/𝐎𝐒 3.1. He mentioned that only customers with a keen interest in the new features have already migrated, while the majority are still waiting. As always, I recommend starting to plan for the upgrade at your own pace. This time, however, the new version offers some really cool and valuable features. 

Grab a coffee ☕ and read this article, which reviews IBM’s z/OS 3.1, and highlights key upgrades. Notable features include enhanced containerization with z/OS Container Extensions, improved COBOL-Java interoperability, and advanced security with stronger encryption and compliance tools. The update also integrates machine learning for predictive analytics and automation, while expanding support for modern development tools to streamline 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐎𝐩𝐬.  

The FERIT Mainframe Academy was launched on November 15th at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology (FERIT) in Osijek, Croatia. This exciting new program is designed to equip students with the critical skills needed to enter the world of mainframe technology. Supported by IBM and CROZ, the academy connects students with industry professionals, providing them with valuable learning opportunities and mentorship.

This initiative provides students with the opportunity to drive into the complex systems that drive industries like finance, healthcare, and government. It helps them build a solid foundation for a successful career in a high-demand field. The program covers everything from basic to advanced mainframe skills, including plenty of practical activities and internships, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern tech landscape.

Many mainframe customers are looking for a new generation of mainframe engineers. The FERIT Mainframe Academy is a perfect opportunity for students looking to enter the world of mainframe technology. Whether they’re considering a career in technology or just curious about mainframes, this program offers the knowledge and guidance needed to succeed.

Mainframe Code-A-Thon: A Hands-On Experience with COBOL & Db2

A highlight of the Mainframe Day was the Code-A-Thon, an electric competition that took place between FERIT students. This year’s Code-A-Thon focused on COBOL and Db2, two integral technologies used in the mainframe ecosystem. Participants were given the opportunity to dive deep into these technologies, learning how COBOL programs interact with Db2 for z/OS, a powerful database management system that processes millions of records per second with exceptional reliability.
This session not only allowed students to gain practical knowledge but also to work alongside IBM experts. The Code-A-Thon served as an introduction to real-world applications of mainframe technology, offering a unique opportunity for students to engage directly with industry-standard tools and gain valuable insights into the complexities of mainframe systems.

Meet the Mainframers: Connecting Students with Industry Leaders

In the spotlight of the event was the round-table discussion, where current FERIT students had the chance to interact directly with industry professionals, including ex-FERIT students now working in the mainframe field. This session allowed participants to ask questions, share experiences, and gain insights from those who have already embarked on successful careers in this vital technology.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in the mainframe field. Participants were encouraged to take advantage of the Mainframe Academy, which offers not only the development of technical skills but also valuable guidance from experienced professionals, helping them navigate the challenges of the continuously evolving world of mainframe technology. As one of our professionals shared, “Anyone willing to learn and stay adaptable can thrive in this field. The key is to keep up with the constant changes and expand your skills along the way.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Mainframe Technology

Mainframe systems are inevitable to play an essential role in the digital transformation of various industries, from enabling artificial intelligence and analytics applications to supporting modern hybrid cloud environments. With FERIT’s Academy now at the forefront of mainframe education in the region, we’re excited about the opportunities it presents to train and equip the next generation of professionals with the skills needed to drive innovation and deliver value through mainframe technologies.

By focusing on mainframe education, FERIT’s Academy is not only helping students master this technology but also empowering them to meet the demands of an evolving digital landscape. As industries continue to rely on mainframes for scalability, security, and reliability, the academy ensures that graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact and contribute to the long-term success of their organizations.

All too often, I find that discussions about mainframes are overshadowed by nostalgia and a holier-than-thou attitude. However, talking to the young graduates at HOGENT University was like a breath of fresh air. Their enthusiasm and pragmatic approach to mainframes gave me a new sense of optimism. These young people don’t get bogged down in philosophical debates about the past but focus on the present and the future.   

I’m certainly not a neutral observer, but I’d say that’s exactly the spirit we have here at Mighty Mainframe Headquarters. 

Security on Mainframe: A Beginner’s Guide to AT-TLS

Just a few years ago, mainframe security was often taken for granted. However, with the rise in security threats and the introduction of the DORA regulation in the EU, ensuring robust security has become a top priority.  

Nowadays, everyone is coming around to a zero-trust security model which can be easily summed up to “never trust, always verify”. This usually means that the services and communication channels should be treated as though there is always a bad actor lurking around the corner. Filip Đuričković’s latest blog post provides first impressions & lessons learned for mainframers looking to improve z/OS security with AT-TLS. This guide dives into the intricacies of Db2 DRDA TLS and z/OS RACF PKI and offers insights and practical advice. Stay safe – enhance your mainframe security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access. 

Mainframe Day in Ghent (and Osijek)

We recently participated in Mainframe Day at HOGENT University – the ultimate hub where students, customers and professionals from Belgium and around the world come together. More than 140 students and professionals explored the world of mainframe technology and proved that mainframes are far from obsolete. They are paving the way for future IT advances. Organized and chaired by Prof. Leendert Blondeel, the event was not only about learning, but it was also a great opportunity for students to network with industry leaders and explore potential internship opportunities.

My young colleague Filip Đuričković talked about his mainframe journey at CROZ. In just three years, he has worked on four challenging projects on three continents! Not bad for a “dying platform”, don’t you think? 

And guess what – the journey continues! This time Mainframe Day is headed to FERIT in Osijek. Get ready for more innovation, networking and hipster vibes as we celebrate the future of mainframe technology. More info is coming your way soon!

Industry Insights

There is a lot of buzz and excitement about GenAI everywhere. That’s why I liked this blog from Thoughtworks so much. It offers a calm and down-to-earth approach to legacy modernization. Focusing on understanding existing code, I especially liked the questions listed in the chapter “Problems that make modernization expensive.” 

I look forward to reading their next blog, which promises to bring more technical details. 

It’s been a scorching summer in Southern Europe, with nights often staying above 27°C for weeks on end. During this time, our team has been incredibly busy. Unsurprisingly, most of our clients’ requests have fallen into two main categories: mainframe modernization and tackling the operations challenges related to a shortage of skilled engineers. It’s funny how the mainframe is modernizing and hardly surviving at the same time. 

Mainframe Managed Services 

Recently, one of our German clients faced a major challenge in managing their mainframe systems due to a lack of experienced staff. With many of the long-serving staff nearing retirement, it was difficult to find qualified replacements. This lack of expertise was jeopardizing business operations. To solve this problem, the client turned to us. We suggested to empower their inhouse team with Managed Services. If you’re a regular reader, you’ll already know that by using managed services, the company was able to ensure continuous performance, reduce operational costs and gain access to expert support so they could focus on their core business. If not, click here to find out more about how our Mainframe Managed Services can help your business. 

Mighty Mainframe Conference ‘25 

I was going to start this exciting announcement with “Last year…” but then I realized that the end of summer isn’t, in fact, the end of the year, so I’d like to rephrase it. Next year’s Mighty Mainframe Conference is already upon us, preparations have begun, and I’m thrilled to announce that we’ll continue with the same energy as this year! Like last time, we’ll be a conference-within-a-conference at QED conference and following the theme of “UNcomplex”, which is a very poetic twist in these much more complex times. Look out for future updates and mark your calendars for May 18-20, 2025 for the UNcomplex spin on the mainframe! 

Generative AI and Mainframe Modernization: A year in review 

Amid the ChatGPT frenzy last year, IBM joined the party and introduced watsonx Code Assistant for Z. The mainframe community warmly received the announcement. Although the initial version was rather limited, IBM has since released several new versions over the past year, each bringing significant improvements. Now, a year later, it’s time to evaluate its maturity and effectiveness. 

In my recent blog, I examined the business value of different aspects of WCA4Z and tried to envision its future. 

Industry Insights 

In 2022, IBM unveiled the IBM z16, introducing AI capabilities to the mainframe for the first time. The microprocessor chip, Telum, featured a new AI accelerator, enabling AI inferencing at the speed of a transaction—such as checking for fraud during a credit card swipe. Meanwhile, we witnessed a true AI revolution, with new implementations emerging every week. 

The new IBM Spyre accelerator, previewed at the Hot Chips 2024 conference expands dramatically single accelerator in Telum by the 32 accelerator cores Future mainframe models will be real AI powerhouses, capable of running LLM models and many other AI implementations. 

When ChatGPT 3.5 was announced in April 2023, it generated a lot of excitement, particularly within the software development community. Developers were eager to explore its enhanced capabilities as a code assistant, which promised to streamline coding tasks, debug more efficiently, and even generate code snippets. Additionally, its potential for aiding in code modernization was a major highlight, offering tools to refactor and update legacy codebases, making them more efficient and maintainable. This announcement marked a pivotal moment, highlighting the growing role of AI in transforming software development practices. 

Is WCA4Z a Game-Changer or Just Another Buzzword? 

The excitement was tangible, but can Generative AI also assist with mainframe modernization, addressing all the specific challenges? Can it refactor COBOL and PL/I, or even transform legacy code into modern languages like Java? 

Amid the excitement, IBM announced IBM WatsonX Code Assistant for Z (WCA4Z), a hot and promising technology that immediately captured the attention of the mainframe community. Now, a year later, it’s time to evaluate its maturity and effectiveness. Is WCA4Z truly ready to revolutionize enterprise development and deliver on its promise of mainframe modernization? Let’s review the progress and impact of WCA4Z over the past year. 

IBM envisioned support for the full cycle of the modernization experience. The initial version supported only some parts, with additional features planned for future releases. Early press communications and discussion within the community primarily focused on its transformation capabilities, promising the conversion of old COBOL code (appreciated mainly by veteran developers) to modern Java code (understandable by any Gen Z developer). The mainframe community warmly received the announcement. However, the initial version had its drawbacks, particularly in its ability to transform COBOL to Java, which was quite limited. You can read my initial thoughts about it here.

Before we dive into the technical details, I’d like to reset the discussion. When examining Generative AI or any other new technology, it’s crucial to always question the real business value it brings. While engineers often get enthusiastic about the technology itself, they can sometimes overlook the importance of its business impact. Balancing technical innovation with tangible business benefits ensures that we harness the true potential of these advancements. 

The Real Value of WCA4Z: Refactoring, Not Transformation

Considering the business value, I don’t see much use for code transformation, especially not for an enterprise-wide transformation from COBOL to Java. I spoke with a few large customers, and they don’t see a compelling reason for such a transformation. COBOL runs just fine, and it’s fast. Additionally, testing transformed (generated) Java code could be a gigantic undertaking, especially given that these applications are mission-critical and must be 100% accurate (just imagine a typical banking transaction).  
It might be useful to transform some specific modules to Java; however, this would likely involve developing in Java from scratch rather than re-engineering (transforming) of the old code. WCA4Z can certainly help here by providing a better understanding of the old COBOL code (ADDI + Code Explanation), rather than generating new Java code. 

At the same time, many enterprises welcome assistance with refactoring. It happens quite often that when a new request comes from the business to add or change some existing functionality, there’s nobody from the original team onboard, and the documentation is scarce. Code explanation can work miracles here. Furthermore, code optimization and refactoring are usually needed (because we write code differently after 20 years). And the business wants the new features now! 

Scanning the announcements over the past year, my hunch is that IBM has also shifted its focus from transformation to refactoring. Perhaps only real-life experience from large Cobol shops (or PL/I in the forthcoming versions) can provide definitive insights about real life scenarios and best practices. 

Since the original announcement, IBM has announced in the past year several new releases and versions that bring significant improvements: 

WCA4Z Changelogs 

Since the original announcement, IBM has introduced several new releases and versions that have substantially expanded and enhanced the original version. Let’s take a look: 

V2.4 December 2024

WCA4Z initially supported only COBOL programming language, while many customers around the globe were using PL/I. Support for PL/I has now been introduced within the Code Explanation capability, which summarizes and explains PL/I code when working with the VS Code editor. We expect Refactoring Assistant support for PL/I in forthcoming versions. 

Additionally, there’s a new exciting function under Code Explanation: Chat experience optional opt-in feature on VS Code for IBM watsonx Code Assistant for Z. This means you can initiate a whole program explanation from a chat window, ask follow-up questions, and receive a ‘simple explanation’ answer within the same chat window.

Refactoring Assistant has been enriched with new features, most notably the capability for dynamic program analysis in the COBOL refactoring process. This enhancement augments the graph view to illustrate the execution of business logic, in cooperation with dynamic test engine recordings from IBM Test Accelerator for Z. Adiditionally, you can request Code Explanation from the program nodes within the graph.

Refactoring Assistant now includes a feature that automatically replaces GOTO and PERFORM THRU statements with standard looping structures, and COBOL v4 is now supported under Code Optimization Advice. 

Check the full update here.

V2.3 November 2024

WCA4Z originally supported only VS Code, but it has now expanded to support an Eclipse-based environment using IBM Developer for z/OS (IDz). I think this is a good move, as not everyone prefers VS Code, and some company policies may not allow its use. 

Other “minor” updates are more of usability and functionality nature in Transformation Assistant and few updated to Refactoring Assistant. 

Check full update here.

V2.2 September 2024

WCA4Z now provides the option for on-premises LLM deployment for COBOL Code Explanation in addition to the existing Software as a Service (SaaS) deployment model. This generative AI capability allows developers to obtain real-time, natural language explanations of their COBOL code, which can then be inserted back into the code as comments or downloaded for documentation.  

With this new release, clients can leverage COBOL Code Explanation to accelerate understanding of the application on-premises; while ensuring they stay compliant with data privacy, sovereignty, and other regulatory requirements while keeping the data on-premises. 

Check the full update here.

V2.1 August 2024

WCA4Z 2.1 enhances the capabilities to expedite the application modernization journey for enterprises with Code Optimization Advice. It performs in-depth runtime analysis on mission-critical COBOL code, identifying performance inefficiencies, and delivering prioritized actionable recommendations through the VS Code user interface. Developers can navigate to the exact line of code and implement necessary fixes, enhancing productivity, optimizing development resources, and help mitigate expensive post-deployment performance issues.  

WCA4Z as a Service extends code explanation capabilities to now include JCL, in addition to COBOL. Code Explanation for JCL is designed to help facilitate learning for system programmers unfamiliar with specific applications, bridging knowledge gaps and accelerating operational activities or modernization efforts.

Check the full update here.

V2.0 June 2024

New capabilities include: 

• Ability to host and use models on premises 
  This is very important for clients who don’t want to use the service in the cloud, because of security, privacy, sovereignty concerns, and other regulatory requirements. 

• Code Explanation, a new generative AI-powered feature for enterprise application modernization. This capability helps developers understand COBOL code by explaining selected lines in natural English. It aims to improve documentation, speed up developer onboarding, and support the refactoring process. Leveraging a large language model (LLM) hosted in IBM watsonx Code Assistant for Z as a Service, it offers explanations in short, summarized, or detailed formats, enabling developers to save time and focus on more critical tasks, thereby boosting productivity.

Check the full update here.

V1.1 February 2024

Refactoring is now more streamlined with an enhanced developer experience in VS Code. This allows developers to handle refactoring and transformation within a Refactoring Assistant in VS Code single IDE, simplifying the modernization workflow.  

The Z Open Editor VS Code Extension helps visualize and update Java class structures before generation, ensuring alignment with organizational code specifications and preventing transformation issues. Once the Java code is ready, the new Validation Assistant generates tests to verify its semantic equivalence with the refactored COBOL code, speeding up the validation phase and boosting confidence in the new code’s behavior.

 Check the full update here.

For those of you who prefer the official source, IBM changelog is here:

Is the mainframe destined to become just another platform? While this might seem advantageous, as it could eliminate the skills gap, I wonder if it would ultimately spell the end of the mainframe as we know it today.

Midsummer nights are perfect for pondering such complex questions.

Fireside chat with Frank van der Wal

I called Frank van der Wahl to help me with those contemplations. He recently became a LinkedIn celebrity running mainframe codeathons all over Europe and engaging with young students and experienced mainframers.

I had mixed feelings about using open-source tools on the mainframe. Despite their obvious advantages, I worried they might bring havoc in an otherwise well-structured environment (hopefully, you keep your mainframe tidy). Frank really helped me put things in the right place, explaining that we need both traditional and open-source tools, and that the future is hybrid.

Listen to whole conversation here or by clicking the image.

How to break a monolith?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead of the competition is crucial. Implementing an API layer is essential as it enhances flexibility, agility, and cost-effectiveness, making IT systems easier to integrate. While many companies still rely on mainframes as their core systems due to their reliability and capacity to handle significant workloads, these systems are often monolithic. Modernizing these mainframe systems by implementing an API layer based on z/OS Connect, using the Strangler pattern, and applying CQRS can facilitate a smooth transition to a modular architecture, enhancing both integration and scalability. Read Ivo Stampalija’s blog here.

For those of you interested in diving deeper into the topic, you should listen to Ivo Stampalija’s and Miroslav Cerkez’s talk from this year’s Mighty Mainframe conference.

Industry insights

I recently stumbled upon another great source of information for the mainframe community. Curated by Andy McCandless, the bi-weekly Mainframerz newsletter offers a wealth of useful information and links. Sometimes it’s difficult to find well-hidden information, and Mainframerz excels at uncovering it. It perfectly complements Mighty Mainframe, which tends to cover fewer topics in more depth. Therefore, you should read both!

The newsletter also functions as a meetup through which passionate mainframerz can engage and network with like-minded folks, make sure to check them out on LinkedIn!