What is Mainframe Modernization & Why Does it Matter?

What is Mainframe Modernization & Why Does it Matter?

Even though 99% of IT leaders acknowledge that emerging technologies, like AI and cloud computing, are important to implement, two-thirds of these respondents feel hindered by IT staffing challenges and skill gaps to further explore IT modernization projects. Some of IT teams’ most urgent modernization projects include improving cybersecurity measures, data management practices, and upgrading hardware and infrastructure. Mainframe modernization can help businesses achieve further modernization goals and projects that build on these efforts. So, what is mainframe modernization, and how might businesses choose to approach it in 2025?

What Is Mainframe Modernization?

Mainframe modernization is the process of updating systems to align with evolving technologies while retaining secure, high-performance transaction processing. For instance, IBM Z Series mainframes integrate and retool applications for compatibility with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP, making them ideal for businesses transitioning to the public cloud without deep cloud expertise.

Common mainframe modernization projects can include integrating with cloud computing, adding containers and microservices to manage applications more effectively, moving to a new platform, or adding AI and machine learning (AI/ML) to mainframe data and applications.  

Benefits of Mainframe Modernization

Organizations can benefit from mainframe modernization in many ways, including:

  • Enhanced system performance: Mainframe applications can be faster, more responsive, and more efficient when organizations leverage modern technologies and optimize existing infrastructure.
  • Ongoing cost savings: Instead of making do with older technology, it can be more cost-effective in the long term to upgrade your mainframe to suit newer applications. Modernization initiatives can also optimize the use of resources and reduce maintenance costs.
  • Opportunities for scalability: Modernized mainframe systems can roll with the punches more easily, increasing and decreasing resources as needed to fit fluctuating workloads.
  • Better security and compliance: Modernization efforts commonly include improved security measures and greater compliance with industry regulations. This can lower risks and improve protection for critical data.
  • Integrations with modern technologies: It’s easier for modernized mainframes to integrate with new technologies, including mobile devices, cloud computing, and AI/ML technologies, simplifying the process for businesses to further innovate their offerings.
  • Future-proofing and long-term sustainability: Critical applications and IT infrastructure can degrade quickly if not maintained. Modernization projects protect legacy systems and prepare businesses for what the future will bring.

Mainframe Modernization Challenges

Starting a mainframe modernization project can be highly beneficial to your business, but it can also be challenging if it’s not implemented effectively. Here are some common roadblocks organizations may face.

  • Business continuity interruptions: Normal business operations can be disrupted with any IT modernization project, especially if the work is being done on components that are central to core business processes. A thorough plan is necessary to minimize downtime and make transitional periods smoother.
  • Skill gaps with current employees: Skill gaps and an aging workforce, particularly among those with mainframe experience, can pose significant challenges during modernization efforts. If employees lack experience with modernization or migration projects, they may struggle to navigate the complexities or manage and fully utilize new technologies. Addressing these challenges may involve upskilling current employees, implementing training programs, or bringing in external experts to support the modernization process effectively.
  • Maintaining data security and compliance: A modernization project must ensure all critical data security and compliance measures required of the business are maintained.
  • Navigating legacy systems: Sometimes, legacy systems don’t play nice. You may find unexpected dependencies, struggle with setting up new integrations, or realize that some workloads won’t migrate nicely. Patience, documentation, and proper skills are essential for navigating complexities.

Mainframe Modernization Tools and Technologies

Some of the most common ways businesses can modernize their mainframes are through cloud-based solutions, containerization, microservices, and other development tools and frameworks.

Cloud-Based Solutions

Modernized applications can be hosted by public cloud providers such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Azure. These vendors provide the infrastructure and tools that businesses need to house and manage their applications. Businesses can use cloud-based services to hand off infrastructure management while retaining control over application development. These solutions optimize capacity and performance for modern mainframe and LLM applications compatible with public cloud platforms.

Containerization and Microservices

Applications are easier to move and edit when they are containerized and broken into independent services (microservices). IT teams can make applications more portable and easier to scale by using technologies such as Kubernetes and Docker. Microservices break down larger applications into smaller services that operate independently, facilitating the ability to manage and change parts of the application without working on such a large system.

Development Tools and Frameworks

Sometimes, businesses may modernize by using more modern languages, such as Python, Java, and Node.js. These improve the ability to integrate with other systems, maintain code, and develop with greater speed.

Application programming interfaces (APIs) empower businesses to communicate seamlessly between new applications and modernized mainframes. DevOps tools can be utilized to automate steps in the development and deployment process, reducing the time it takes to go live with new updates.

Best Practices for Implementation

You’re ready to modernize your systems—great! Where do you start? Here are some best practices you can implement to prepare your systems and make positive changes today.

Planning and Assessment

Assess your mainframe environment and decide what you’d like to modernize. What does your current infrastructure look like? How about your applications? And how will modernizing help you reach your business goals and meet your current and future needs?

You’ll also want to think about any dependencies your current environment has to ensure that during modernization or migration, nothing essential breaks. Do you want certain components to integrate with new applications? These need to be plotted out before any project starts.

Define clear objectives for your modernization project. If you’d like to improve performance or reduce costs, outline and include numerical goals. From there, you can create a roadmap that includes key steps and timelines that will help you achieve your modernization project.

Choosing the Right Strategy for Your Business

There are many different modernization strategies available. Whether you’re looking to migrate your entire environment, add and integrate something new, or make changes to your applications, you’ll want to evaluate your options and choose a modernization strategy that makes the most sense.

The strategy you select should prioritize critical applications that have the greatest impact on business operations. Understand how the strategy you choose will impact your business as far as downtime, and consider taking on a pilot project to test and validate your desired modernization approach before implementing something fully.

Effective Change Management

Implementing new modernized approaches works best when there is buy-in on all sides. Businesses must consider their approach to change management alongside the technical details of a modernization project.

Communicate the goals, benefits, and potential challenges that might arise with mainframe modernization to all key stakeholders. Train employees on new processes and bring in some early adopters to smooth out any wrinkles during a pilot project. Address concerns quickly and allow all parties to be heard to improve buy-in on modernization initiatives.

Ready to Transform Your Legacy Systems?

When you’re ready to shift from legacy to the future, TierPoint is here to assist you. If you have an IBM mainframe, we can help you manage your infrastructure, modernize your mainframe, and deliver high availability and performance. Learn more about our managed services and speak with our team of experts today.



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