The intelligent data-centric approach connects the Cloud and the Mainframe to create realistic, achievable steps that bring business benefits at each stage.

“How many Mainframe modernization efforts are ongoing, falling behind the projected schedule, or over budget?” Industry experts suggest that the answer might be many because the focus of the planners was ill-defined. Early efforts were on replacing the Mainframe hardware and then the Mainframe software. But now, the integration of the Mainframe and Cloud is a favored approach. “How enterprise IT leaders build and manage the connection between the Mainframe and the Cloud? “- will be the biggest story for Mainframe professionals in the times to come.

We should begin to think differently about Mainframe Modernization. It should be viewed as a data-centric business initiative that can deliver value in the short-term and create an environment conducive to ongoing optimization – instead of just an infrastructure update.

Taking a data-centric approach to Mainframe Modernization shifts the focus from Mainframe applications to Mainframe data. Instead of trying to establish long and complex roadmaps for changing Mainframe applications, IT leaders should begin focusing on using software-only solutions for moving Mainframe data in Mainframe format into Cloud storage solutions and then managing the connection between the two.

New technologies allow Mainframe professionals to migrate Mainframe formatted data into the Cloud via zIIP engines and TCP/IP - and store it in the Cloud’s object storage. Mainframe professionals can also use new, modern Cloud data management software for the Mainframe to create a bi-directional sync between the Mainframe and Cloud that does not require tape or emulated tape technologies to function.

Making this shift allows the Mainframe to leverage all the advantages of the Cloud: fully managed storage, ubiquitous access, and virtually unlimited capacity. This reduces labor costs and equipment investment for the organization and allows businesses to change their focus from daily operational problems to formulating strategies to deliver value to their customers.

IT leaders and Mainframe professionals achieve several objectives by integrating Mainframe data into the Cloud environment.

⮚ This approach delivers immediate value while taking steps toward long-term modernization. Instead of one large, complex project that is doomed to fail, using software to move Mainframe data to the Cloud is a more agile approach, where you can define smaller, more manageable sprints.

⮚ This approach breaks the storage tower surrounding Mainframe data and places the data into the Cloud – even when it is still in Mainframe format – changes the Mainframe from an isolated island into an integrated part of the technology architecture, giving Mainframe professionals a seat at the broader approach.

⮚ This approach can be used to securely eliminate tape/VTL backups, which brings cost savings and can improve disaster recovery - both in speed and accessibility in recovery scenarios.

The benefits of a data-centric approach for bringing Mainframe into the Cloud are significant and have a short and long-term impact. Here are the four key benefits that organizations realize:

• ✔ Modernization is facilitated

  ✔ Mainframe Compute is freed up

  ✔ Costs are lowered

  ✔ Creates a competitive advantage

   

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