One of the manufacturing plants in Europe has moved away from unsupported versions of IBM hardware and software underlining their mainframe applications. Financial institutions are not the only institutions needing the high performance, reliability, and security that the mainframe is renowned for.
At CROZ, we are proud to have played a key role in this migration as mainframe consultants. Moving away from the previously unsupported IBM processor, IBM storage and IBM tape units also required a change in the version of operating system zOS , Db2 and CICS. A huge leap from previous versions of zOS, Db2 and CICS was necessary to accommodate this.
Enhancing performance, scalability, and security to support long-term business objectives and compliance requirements was also the aim of this project. Not to mention modernization!
Mainframe modernization was underpinning this change
Moving out of unsupported IBM hardware and software paved way to an environment that enables functionalities unavailable on previous hardware and software.
Exposure to z/OSMF, z/OS Container Extensions (zCX), new compression and encryption features among others is part of the modernization that was previously unavailable to this customer.
Benefits for the Client
At the end of the project, the Customer experienced all the benefits of a supported z/OS platform:
Scalability
Running on a supported level of IBM hardware ensures easy upgrades to facilitate potential requirements for increased processor power and storage for the client.
Enhanced Performance
New IBM z processors enable better general performance with additional memory capacities at a lesser cost in comparison to the previous IBM processor used by the customer.
Advanced availability
Support for complex networking protocols, advanced security features, high availability and disaster recovery solutions, and extensive middleware and application integration options provided by latest versions of Db2 and CICS. New, advanced features will help customers to easily follow new technical requirements and standards.
Integration with Modern Technologies
Latest versions of z/OS, Db2 and CICS enable tight integration with modern technologies and industry standards, making it easier to integrate mainframe systems with other platforms, applications, and services within the customer’s IT ecosystem. Better integration will facilitate interoperability and data exchange between mainframe and distributed systems, as well as better control of application lifecycle management.
The Importance of Modernization for Mainframe Users
Mainframe customers need to keep their mainframe infrastructure updated. For some mainframe customers, this might be the only motivation to upgrade their IBM hardware and software. Nevertheless, lots of today’s enterprises want to further optimize mainframe applications and architecture by enhancing applications, adding capabilities, modernizing user interfaces, etc. (hybrid-cloud, DevOps, machine learning, data-streaming) with traditional mainframe technologies. We help our clients create a roadmap to transform the mainframe expanding its capabilities and maintaining competitive advantages in the industry.
How We Can Assist with Your Mainframe Modernization
As biz-tech consultants, we assist our clients in modernizing their mainframe systems. In each project, our first step is to understand our client’s business and technology drivers for modernization. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for success. We prepare a roadmap for modernization that ensures all technical and business targets are met.
After creating the roadmap, we proceed with assessments and proof-of-concept work before preparing the actual implementation plan. For less complex topics, we streamline the process directly. The comprehensive plan takes into consideration risk mitigation strategies and a thorough testing plan.
While some clients may choose to remain on their existing IBM mainframe hardware and software, running out of IBM support is an unacceptable risk for a company’s operation. CROZ may help move out of such risk while modernizing other aspects of their mainframe systems, such as integrations, DevOps, or automation.
With our team of experts and extensive experience in managing large-scale projects, we are well-equipped to assist organizations in navigating the complexities of mainframe modernization and migration. We know what needs to be done and how to do it, ensuring top quality and successful outcomes for our clients.
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