The Open Mainframe Project‘s Modernization Working Group is dedicated to defining modernization for mainframes, while seeking diverse perspectives to enrich their comprehensive repository of thought leadership materials. In this show, Co-Chairs of the Modernization Working Group, Misty Decker, Mainframe Modernization Consult Leader at Kyndryl and Bruno Azenha,  FSI Global Solution Architect at Red Hat, discuss the focus on standardizing modernization definitions and the opportunities for getting involved. Azenha says, “Anyone that has a business or technology interest around modernization in mainframe should be part of it, because we’d love to have more perspectives.”

How the Modernization Working Group is facilitating modernization efforts in mainframe

• Decker explains the goal of the Modernization Working Group stating that their purpose is to define “modernization” in a consistent way across the industry.
• Azenha adds that the group aims to provide clear options and avoid vendor biases in modernization strategies.
• Modernization can be defined as updating existing IT systems to better meet current and future business needs, focusing on minimal disruption. This process is about adapting what is already in place rather than developing new software.
• Since its launch, the Working Group has worked on defining modernization and curating thought leadership, though progress has been slow due to diverse opinions. The current focus is on boosting public interest and engagement.

The need for diverse perspectives to enhance the modernization conversation

• Azenha discusses the Working Group’s target audience saying they welcome contributions from anyone interested in modernization, regardless of their technical or business background.
• Modernization is applicable to all developers, not just those with mainframe experience. The Working Group encourages contributions from various technology backgrounds to enhance the modernization conversation.
• Decker discusses the types of content the group is interested in, including videos, white papers, surveys, and research analyst reports. They also need authors to write original content and representatives to speak at industry events.
• Decker emphasizes that modernization is a very urgent and timely topic and stresses the need for skills from various technological platforms to address it effectively.

Key focuses and collaborations of the Modernization Working Group

• Decker talks about the other Open Mainframe Project groups they collaborate with, confirming that they are working with the COBOL and education groups to align efforts and share knowledge.
• Decker tells us that while they are not currently focusing on universities, they have summer interns working on relevant projects, including educational videos and white papers.
• Key milestones for the Working Group include defining their mission and starting a knowledge repository, with current priorities on student projects and creating thought leadership content.

Guests: Misty Decker | Bruno Azenha
Project: Open Mainframe Project (Twitter)
Show: Mainframe Matters

This summary was written by Emily Nicholls.