Danske Bank is modernizing its mainframe systems with Zowe Explorer, an open mainframe application framework designed to enhance accessibility and attract new developers. In this episode, Emma Skovgård, IT Security Engineer Associate at Danske Bank, discusses the role of mainframes in the banking sector and the advantages of using intuitive tools like Zowe Explorer to simplify complex legacy systems. Skovgård also shares her insights on building a stable, rewarding career in mainframe technology. Skovgård says, “It’s just a great learning tool and a general way to help younger mainframers become productive faster.”

Skovgård’s background and role at Danske Bank

• Skovgård talks about her extensive experience in cybersecurity and her work to strengthen security for large financial institutions, particularly in the Nordics.
• Skovgård describes Danske Bank as a national entity with a strong presence across the Nordics and the UK, explaining how their market reach influences their technology approach, particularly in responding to customer expectations and regulatory demands.
• Skovgård emphasizes Danske Bank’s commitment to modernization, outlining how they leverage both traditional mainframe systems and new technologies to balance security with the agility needed in today’s financial industry.

The role and importance of mainframes in banking

• Skovgård explains that the mainframe remains central to banking operations, with over 90% of large banks, including Danske Bank, relying on it for high-volume transactions and secure data processing.
• Skovgård highlights the mainframe’s unmatched security and performance capabilities, noting that it is uniquely equipped to handle complex financial workloads and meet strict compliance requirements.
• Despite the rise of newer tech, the mainframe’s reliability ensures it will remain a foundational tool in banking for years, providing stability while other tech stacks evolve.

Modernization efforts in mainframe and the value of intuitive tools

• Skovgård discusses the challenges of mainframe modernization, emphasizing the value of intuitive interfaces, particularly tools like Zowe Explorer, which help bridge the gap between traditional mainframe systems and the modern developer experience.
• Skovgård describes how Zowe Explorer mirrors the modern, user-friendly tools from her previous roles, making mainframe navigation easier and reducing learning curves.
• Skovgård recounts her personal experience using Zowe Explorer, explaining how it allowed her to efficiently learn the mainframe’s file structure and increase productivity, positively impacting her team’s workflow.

Learning about Zowe Explorer and personal experiences with it

• Skovgård recalls discovering Zowe Explorer through a video by Jeff Bisti, where he demonstrated programming COBOL using Zowe Explorer and showcased the potential of modern mainframe tools.
• Skovgård initially began experimenting with Zowe Explorer outside of work before fully adopting it.
• Skovgård’s experimentation evolved into regular use, allowing her to introduce Zowe Explorer to her team, where it helped improve their productivity and made navigating the mainframe easier.

Community support and official resources for mainframe users

• Skovgård praises the support within the mainframe community, especially on LinkedIn and forums for SystemC enthusiasts, which feature peer insights and practical tips.
• Official support for Zowe Explorer is provided by major companies like Broadcom, Rocket Software, and IBM, which offer dedicated resources to ensure companies have the support they need.
• Skovgård emphasizes the importance of such official support channels, noting that for institutions like Danske Bank, having reliable technical assistance is critical for maintaining security and operational efficiency.

Advantages of Zowe Explorer and benefits for modern developers

• Skovgård discusses the unique features of Zowe Explorer, highlighting its intuitive interface, which minimizes the need for extensive training, a factor that makes it more accessible to modern developers transitioning to mainframe work.
• Zowe Explorer has increased Skovgård’s productivity significantly, particularly compared to traditional terminal emulators, and has enabled fresh efficiency in her team’s workflow.
• Modern developers might be interested in mainframe technology because of the career stability it offers and the practical skills it provides, which can be applied across industries.

Career prospects in mainframe technology

• Skovgård addresses the career opportunities available in mainframe technology, citing the demand for skilled professionals and the competitive salaries within the industry.
• Mainframe roles offer a level of stability that is often lacking in other tech fields, where frequent updates and technology shifts are common.
• Skovgård notes that some mainframe clients are cautious about adopting new tech, which allows employees to enjoy a balanced pace, combining legacy stability with occasional modern updates.
• For developers seeking a steady career path, mainframe roles provide both financial security and a unique technological niche that’s valued in banking and beyond.

Advice for getting the most out of Zowe Explorer

• Skovgård emphasizes persistence in learning, advising developers to be patient as they navigate the mainframe, since persistence is key to mastering the tools and gaining confidence.
• Skovgård encourages new users to actively engage with the mainframe community, where they can receive support, share insights, and find inspiration for maximizing their productivity with Zowe Explorer.

Guest: Emma Skovgård
Organization: Danske Bank
Show: Mainframe Matters

This summary was written by Emily Nicholls.