Dear fellow mainframer, 

The mainframe has been an island for quite some time because some people ignored the changes, while others ignored the mainframe. Both camps realized they were wrong, and now they are looking for relevant answers on how to maximize the benefits of mainframe technology yet fully integrated with a modern enterprise.

The mainframe team at CROZ has recently been quite busy helping customers, and I was thinking about what caused the comeback. It’s evident that mainframe customers are increasingly looking at how to replace the tools or implement hybrid cloud, DevOps, API integration, and data streaming.

Back in 1993, my first job out of university was as “a mainframe system engineer”. Ever since, my enthusiasm for mainframe has stood the test of time and I would like to share it with the community. My goal with this e-mail series is to make Mighty Mainframe an independent and valuable source of information for all mainframers.

Mainframe modernization means different things to different people. Most of today’s enterprises have opted for modernization in place with a hybrid cloud strategy. It usually includes enhancing mainframe applications and optimizing infrastructure, adding integration capabilities, adopting common enterprise DevOps processes and tools, while preserving existing applications and data.

We are going to cover different approaches to mainframe modernization in subsequent editions of Mighty Mainframe. Today, we are deep diving into the strategy for reusing an existing mainframe application by building a new API layer. It involves careful planning, design, and execution. By taking a modular, loosely coupled approach and using modern technologies, it’s possible to modernize the application while preserving its core functionality and value.  We’ve covered this in more depth in Ivo Štampalija’s article on mainframe modernisation.

Recently, our team completed a very challenging project helping a large mainframe customer – migrating from CA ACF2 to IBM RACF while having in mind their main goal – cost optimization. Our key challenge was the short runway to migrate before the contract renewal with minimum downtime and impact on regular operations. Besides that, it was crucial to provide the same level of effectiveness for the new product in day-to-day operations. To achieve this, it was necessary also to provide a thorough education on the RACF features and differences between RACF and ACF2. You can read all about it here.

Preparation for mainframe tool replacement 

Replacing mainframe tools is a complex, multi-step process crucial for organizations seeking to reduce costs and improve performance and availability.

The process begins with an assessment phase to evaluate the current mainframe environment, determining which features can be replaced directly or reengineered. Next, a migration plan is developed to outline the steps involved, including identifying replacement tools, determining the migration approach, and setting a timeline and budget.

Planning for risks, issues, testing, and deployment is also essential to ensure a smooth transition. A well-developed migration plan that is realistic, flexible, and achievable within the allocated budget and timeline is key to successfully replacing mainframe tools and meeting organizational goals. Read all about that in Filip Đuričković ‘s latest blog.

I am sure many of you have already met Joachim Gucker, he’s been mainframe aficionado for years and we were very lucky that Joachim decided to join CROZ DACH as co-founder and managing director.

I have never met a person with such a holistic view on people, technology, and organizations. Nevertheless, he still knows every nut and bolt in mainframe technology. Joachim has many talents and skills around enterprise architecture, cloud transformation, AI and the modernization of organizational culture which makes him a perfect advisor for any organization.

I really enjoyed reading “The State of the Mainframe” survey report from Rocket software.

The 2022 survey report sheds a light on the current state and future trends. It discusses overcoming mainframe challenges, data governance, analytics, and the increasing adoption of hybrid infrastructures.

The report also addresses the search for mainframe talent and the need to overcome legacy perceptions to successfully integrate mainframes with cloud technologies.

It’s an insightful and well-thought out report, give it a shot!