Keys, challenges and advantages of mainframe modernization
The Mainframe modernization and optimization It is an issue that has been present in many industries, which have experienced a radical transformation in recent years, with exponential growth in users and the need to achieve greater availability of services.
These changes caused a rapid and dizzying increase in transactionality and impacted the Mainframe infrastructure. As a result, it is operating at risky levels for the operation of a large number of companies.
In this article we will explore different Possible strategies for modernizing the Mainframe environment, the benefits that can be obtained, and various criteria to be taken into account within the framework of this process.
What is a Mainframe infrastructure?
The Mainframe is known for its ability to process large volumes of data and the trust and security that it generatesBut in order to fully understand what such an infrastructure consists of, it is important to understand its global dimension.
According to the report Cobol Blues – Reuters Graphics, the Mainframe world is made up of the 90% of Fortune 500 companies, the 92% of major banks, the 90% of major insurance companies and the 70% of major retailers.
Keeping in mind that Its impact on the global market is overwhelming, we can define the Mainframe as a powerful computer:
- designed to handle a wide range of workloads and
- used for Manage critical applications that require a high level of security, availability and scalability.
For 60 years, it has been characterized by its reliability and capacity for massive processing, data storage and multi-tasking.
Their robust architecture and ability to run multiple operating systems and applications makes them extremely versatile and suitable for a wide variety of needs, across a variety of industries.
The Mainframe performs pre-established functionalities and is capable of process millions of transactions per second. Being a machine with a lot of computing power, it is generally used and valued by large companies.
What is the importance of Mainframe infrastructures?
The 90% of the organizations surveyed within the framework of the Kyndryl 2023 State of Mainframe Modernization Survey Report indicate that Mainframes remain essential to your business operations.
The data highlights the importance of these infrastructures for large companies. Users highlight security (68%), reliability (60%) and performance (55%) as their main features.
Carina Hermida, Account Manager of IT Patagonia highlights that the relevance of this type of infrastructure is total, since What is processed the most in the world are transactions on Mainframes.
Banks, insurance companies, e-commerce marketplaces, retail companies, online tourism platforms and large companies from other relevant sectors execute every day millions of transactions and instructions on these infrastructures.
In fact, you wouldn't be able to view a bank balance on your cell phone or process a credit card purchase if there wasn't a mainframe behind it.
Problems maintaining or updating mainframe infrastructures
Mainframes often have a “stigma”: They are classified as ancient.
However, These are modern infrastructures.
To exemplify its degree of modernity, the latest hardware model (z16) began to be marketed in 2023, and among its main features is that it has quantum processors.
For its part, the Cobol programming language, which already has its version 6, is specially designed to run on Z-series infrastructures, including the recently released z16 and z15 systems.
The better the hardware and the higher the Cobol level, the greater the reduction in CPU consumption.
As we can see, Mainframes are not old and this is not a problem to consider in the management of this type of infrastructure, which has the capacity to interrelate with all platforms.
What does represent a problem to manage is the lack of qualified labor that allows us to cope with the updates that a Mainframe currently requires.
In today's job market it is very difficult to find specialists, mainly system programmers.

Another challenge is the change of mindset which must occur in companies, which must become aware of the need to carry out migrations at the time they must be carried out.
It is, in general, a challenge related to the lack of talent.
Mainframes need to be constantly updated and modernized in order to respond efficiently to the evolving requirements and challenges of the market.
But there are companies that continue to operate with very old operating systems because They lack the human resources to carry out the required upgrades.
At this point, we have developed extensive experience helping top-tier financial institutions modernize their Mainframes, with talent trained in internal programs.
What needs to be modernized in the Mainframe?
Beyond the technological evolution strategy chosen by each organization, Mainframe modernization and optimization is unavoidable.
The challenge is to determine the best way to do this, taking into account that the roadmap will depend on each project and the reasons that drive each company to update its infrastructure.
According to the report mentioned above,l 67% of organizations decide to move forward with the modernization of their Mainframe to optimize their performance and capacity. Also to rationalize the software.
However, one of the fundamental reasons that should drive the modernization of technological infrastructures is the need for have support for troubleshooting.
The first and most important thing is to understand that products have an expiration date.
While operating systems are super stable, the problem is that sometimes an operating system that is no longer supported or sold will still work. This speaks to the robustness of the software, but, on the other hand, if a problem occurs it cannot be addressed..
Mainframes therefore need to be updated, just like cars that become obsolete. At some point they need to be replaced, because the spare parts they need are no longer manufactured.
Having a supported system is essential for the supplier company to be able to provide adequate attention to a problem.
Another aspect to consider is that many times you pay for machine consumption. So, as products improve and consume fewer CPU cycles, Modernization leads to a decrease in turnover.
A result like this can be achieved, for example, with Cobol version 6.

On the other hand, it is not possible to connect to the distributed world through old connectors. You have to be constantly upgrading to be able to be online.
Finally, it is essential to keep up to date in order to be able to use new technologies, such as the following:
1. Microservices
They are a way to modernize and decompose legacy applications to make them more flexible, scalable and easier to maintain.
It may involve rewriting or restructuring existing applications, to break them down into smaller, modular services that are feasible to deploy. develop and maintain more agilely.
This can facilitate the adoption of modern software development practices such as continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD).
In addition, it allows for greater agility and flexibility in software development and deployment in a Mainframe environment.
2. IDz Tools
The IDz tools (IBM Developer for z/OS), also known as IBM Developer for z Systems, are a set of software development tools specifically designed for developers working in the Mainframe environment.
They are designed to help programmers develop, test and maintain applications for IBM Mainframe systems.
IDz tools provide an integrated environment that includes code editors, debuggers, static analysis tools, terminal emulators, and other utilities, which facilitate the development and debugging of mainframe applications.
They provide a graphical interface that allows easier access to resources, through a more user-friendly screen.
Additionally, they are often integrated with version control environments such as IBM Rational Team Concert, allowing you to manage source code and collaborate effectively on mainframe projects.
He IBM Developer for z/OS, is the ID that IBM promotes to develop with Cobol, through a modern interface. Although it is purchased from IBM, there are components that are free, such as z/OS Explorer, which is used to access Mainframe files.”
Criteria for defining a modernization project and its associated roadmap
In general, specialists agree that no two photos are the same for the modernization of a mainframe, in terms of projects and roadmaps.
There is no comparison between one client's situation and another.
So the key is to know how identify what needs to be improved and update when undertaking a modernization project, and from there build an appropriate work roadmap.
While there is no single roadmap that can be reproduced in many organizations, the market is always defining some generic criteria for infrastructure modernization, through the launch of new machine models and new software versions.
For example, in the case of a mobile home banking application, the API Rest format is generally used, which allows the transformation of data coming from transactions running on the Mainframe so that they can be accessed from a cell phone.
To determine applicable criteria, it is interesting to consult specialized market reports. The Kyndryl report mentioned above reveals that 95% of surveyed companies plan to move some workloads off the mainframe, integrating with other platforms in its modernization projects.
However, companies rarely choose to move all their workloads off the mainframe. Only 2 out of 500 have plans to do so.
In fact, the companies surveyed plan to move, on average, 37% of their workloads off the Mainframe.
Organizations that intend to continue running workloads on the Mainframe know that they must continually modernize to Generating profits in a rapidly changing business world, in terms of:
- Improved performance
- Reliability
- Greater innovation
Furthermore, the report indicates that 67% of the surveyed companies focus their Mainframe modernization strategies on optimizing performance and capacity, and on rationalizing software, choosing which applications to keep, replace, retire or consolidate.
While other popular approaches include:
- The integration of DevSecOps with the Mainframe environment, bringing together development, IT operations and security for optimized processes (56%).
- Recompiling Mainframe programs to the latest version to improve performance (48%).

Key challenges of mainframe modernization projects
Among the most relevant challenges facing Mainframe infrastructure modernization are the following:
1. Lack of available talent
One of the biggest problems is undoubtedly the lack of qualified labor that allows us to cope with the updates that a mainframe currently requires.
In today's job market it is very difficult to find specialists, mainly system programmers and Cobol developers. Hence, the importance of Outsource modernization processes to companies that have highly trained professionals and experience in this type of projects.
This is reflected in the report we have been mentioning: 74% of organizations prefer a partner-led trip to ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible and fill skills gaps where necessary.
2. Keeping up to date with the latest technology available
As with the vaccination schedule, keeping up with the latest hardware and software versions allows for the use of new technologies, such as microservices and the use of container-based monitors.
3. Understanding the benefits of mainframe modernization
Mainframe modernization produces a 9% increase in profitability.
While collectively, organizations participating in the Kyndryl study saved $12.5 billion in one year by modernizing their mainframes.
4. Continually inform yourself about market trends
Unfortunately, there is a lack of appetite on the part of IT professionals to want to know the latest developments and trends related to the modernization of Mainframe infrastructures. A behavior that needs to be modified in order to respond efficiently to the challenges posed by the market.
Conclusion
While they have decided that it is a path to follow, most organizations have not yet completed their mainframe modernization process.
As a result, approximately 8 out of 10 companies are exposed to critical risks to their operations.
This is certainly a major warning sign for the market, which must be adequately addressed and resolved in the short term.
Through our Mainframe Center of ExcellenceWe offer a portfolio of services that combines talent, proprietary tools and effective strategies for modernization and optimization of the Mainframe.
Contact us to receive personalized advice.