On December 8 IBM revealed the IBM Z and Cloud Modernization Center. It is an “exhibition” of different kinds of tools, training, resources and ecosystem partners whose aim is to help IBM Z clients to speed up the modernization of their applications.
In the IBM Institute for Business Value study, a large percentage of executives share that the centre of their application is based on the mainframe. Four out of five respondents explain that their organizations are in need of fast transformation in order to keep up with the competition. In their words, it includes adopting a more open approach. According to the report, executives look at modernizing mainframe-based applications as determining to drive a digital transformation strategy across the mainframe and cloud.
A recent survey shows that the value which is derived from a full hybrid, multi-cloud platform technology and operating model at scale is 2.5 times the value derived from a single-platform, single-cloud vendor approach.
Further, an IBM hybrid cloud transformation that integrates IBM Z can extend up to 5x the value of a public cloud-only approach1. According to a Hurwitz and Associates whitepaper, which is sponsored by IBM, this additional value is derived by business acceleration, developer productivity, infrastructure cost efficiency, regulatory, as well as compliance and security and deployment flexibility.
These days more and more IBM Z clients are running on modern infrastructure. However, to truly leverage the benefits of the hybrid cloud, organizations must continue to modernize their applications and data. Clients will be given an opportunity to gain insights on maintaining their current IT estate, thanks to the IBM Z and Cloud Modernization Center. Also, they will be able to focus on the design and execution of a strategy for their core applications and data running on IBM Z to prepare for the hybrid cloud. Charles King, POUND-IT, commented:
“The world-class reliability and security of IBM’s Z solutions have contributed significantly to the mainframe’s remarkable longevity and business value for enterprise customers. However, another crucial feature—adaptability—is just as important. For well over two decades, IBM has ensured that Z mainframes addressed vital requirements in both existing and emerging applications and use cases, including Linux, open systems and hybrid cloud. With the new IBM Z and Cloud Modernization Center, IBM and its partners are providing customers with the tools, resources and training they need to successfully modernize and transform mainframe-based applications, data and processes in hybrid cloud environments, and thus maximize their IBM Z investments.”
Clients will also get access to a digital journey showcasing comprehensive resources and guidance for business professionals, IT executives and developers alike. The main zones of the centre include:
Domain-specific IBM expertise, includes IBM Consulting assets, expertise and methodologies, co-creation with clients via IBM Consulting methodologies, demos, trials, minimum viable product (MVPs), workshops and other point services. They are designed to help accelerate the digital transformation journey.
