As enterprise IT evolves at breakneck speed, mainframes are not just keeping up - they're leading the way. In this issue of Mainframe Insider by Log-On, we highlight the remarkable acceleration of mainframe modernization, driven by breakthroughs in generative and agentic AI, and powered by bold new platforms from IBM, Capgemini, and Mechanical Orchard.
With the debut of the AI-optimized IBM z17, smarter automation in Db2, and new approaches to security and identity management, it's clear: the mainframe is no longer legacy - it’s the launchpad for digital transformation.
Whether you're optimizing COBOL, building toward Zero Trust, or rethinking your entire infrastructure, this month’s updates will help you navigate what’s next.
Thank you for joining us—let’s dive into this month’s highlights!
Capgemini leads paradigm shift in mainframe application modernization powered by gen AI and agentic AI
Capgemini is leading a paradigm shift in mainframe modernization with the launch of a new offering that will enable organizations to unlock greater value from their legacy systems at unprecedented speed and accuracy. Capgemini’s new approach, powered by generative and agentic AI, gives those organizations that have been wedded to complex mainframe environments the ability to gain cost savings and agility, as well as a significant improvement in data quality.
It converts legacy mainframe applications into more modern, agile, and cloud-friendly formats that can run more efficiently either on or outside of a mainframe...(More)
Mechanical Orchard ignites major shift in enterprise IT transformation:
Mechanical Orchard is launching the end-to-end mainframe modernization platform “Imogen” and announces first partnership with Thoughtworks
The platform rewrites mainframe applications safely and quickly by focusing on the behavior of the system as represented by data flows, rather than on translating code. This approach, encapsulated in the platform, signals the end of opaque, risky and uncertain mainframe transformation projects, resets the technical debt meter and restores control to IT teams through rewriting systems into clean, modern code... (Story continues)
It's alive! IBM unveils its most powerful mainframe yet, which it says is fully engineered for the AI Age
IBM has announced the z17, a new mainframe to address growing AI demands on enterprise infrastructure.
Positioned as a foundation for hybrid cloud environments, and with support for real-time AI and enterprise-grade resilience, the IBM z17 is designed to handle transaction-heavy workloads, improve operational efficiency, and address security concerns in industries with stringent compliance needs.
Central to the new mainframe is the Telum II processor, which was originally announced at Hot Chips 2024. Developed using Samsung 5nm technology, it integrates an on-chip AI coprocessor to support inferencing tasks, including small language models with fewer than 8 billion parameters...
Automating Db2 Utilities: A Vital Step Toward More Efficient Applications
Automation is a key aspect of modern IT development and administration. More and more processes are being automated to make software systems run more effectively and efficiently. A key target for automation of Db2 processes is utility scheduling and processing.
Db2 utility automation refers to the process of automating the execution and management of Db2 utilities, such as REORG or RUNSTATS, to optimize database performance, reduce manual intervention, and ensure efficient database maintenance. This is especially relevant for Db2 for z/OS, where automation can significantly enhance operational efficiency.
First of all, let’s be clear on what is meant by a Db2 utility. A utility is generally a single purpose program for moving and/or verifying database pages; examples include LOAD, UNLOAD, REORG, RUNSTATS, CHECK, COPY, and RECOVER. The Db2 utilities provide core functionality to ensure the effective operation and performance of Db2 databases and programs...
Simply put, Zero Trust is a cybersecurity strategy built on the belief that you should Never Trust and Always Verify. But how do you secure infrastructure, applications and services, and data that, as part of your cloud strategy, are connected broadly and accessible by anyone, at any time, from any location on your network and off? Zero Trust makes it simple to improve your security posture.
Manageable Steps to Achieve Zero Trust Mainframe Security The first design principle of Zero Trust is focusing on business objectives, and then identifying the crucial assets that enable these objectives. Those assets are then treated as a Protect Surface, shielding them with greater efficiency and effectiveness than trying to protect or shrink the entire attack surface...
IBM COBOL Upgrade Advisor for z/OS (CUAZ) is a powerful tool that helps simplify and accelerate the upgrade process to IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS 6.
CUAZ offers automated inventory discovery and reporting in a modern Visual Studio Code (VS Code) interface, making it easier for organizations to identify and address compiler issues including invalid code and data issues, to understand the size and scope of their upgrade projects, and to streamline the recompilation process. CUAZ is designed to help customers stay current with the latest Enterprise COBOL for z/OS 6 compiler release, so that they can use the modernization features to unlock the full potential of their IBM Z hardware investment...
Why Mainframe Modernization No Longer Optional: A 2025 Strategic Imperative for CIOs and CXOs
As 2025 unfolds, businesses stand at a strategic turning point, a space where they must make firm IT transformation calls. Mainframes, the supporter of corporate computing in the past, now increasingly function as bottlenecks for innovation.
The reality is obvious: Mainframe Modernization can no longer be a nicety or a “nice-to-have.” It’s a strategic necessity for visionary leaders who wish to empower corporate agility, operational effectiveness, and competitive differentiation...
Modern IAM meets legacy systems: Closing the mainframe security gap
For many organizations, the mainframe remains a workhorse—processing 90% of credit card transactions and serving as the system of record for critical financial data. But its security infrastructure often operates in isolation.
While corporate IT environments adopt tools like Okta or Azure AD to manage identities, mainframe access still relies on older systems like RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret. The result? A dangerous IAM blind spot where MFA is difficult to enforce, audit trails are disconnected, and attackers can exploit silos.
According to Rocket Software, a majority of security teams don’t even realize their IAM coverage doesn’t extend to the mainframe. It’s not a matter of poor security hygiene—mainframe teams often think they’ve got it covered. The problem is that enterprise security leaders can’t get visibility or enforce modern controls across all systems, especially when IAM is fragmented...
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