Mainframe Security and Gen Z

Dear fellow mainframer, 

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.