Dear fellow mainframer,
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.
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