2024 Review

In 2024, the mainframe world saw remarkable developments in market growth, workforce trends, modernization efforts, and security considerations—and you were an integral part of it. Catch up on the big ideas and highlights you shared on Planet Mainframe in 2024. 

2024’s Big Ideas

  1. Mainframe Vitality and Growth
    A recurring message from our authors and readers was that mainframes remain essential. Whether it’s market research projecting higher mainframe spending, COBOL applications still running mission-critical workloads after 65 years, or the steadfast reliance on IBM Z hardware, mainframes remain the backbone for core business services worldwide. The platform’s ongoing relevance is driven by its security, reliability, and ability to handle massive transaction volumes.
  1. Modernization as a Priority
    Another common theme is the push to modernize mainframes through multiple avenues. Options include extending mainframe capabilities through hybrid cloud integrations, DevOps workflows, container support, and flexible licensing models. Organizations are increasingly blending traditional mainframe environments with emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and open-source toolchains (e.g., Zowe). This shift is a cultural and process transformation aimed at faster releases, better observability, and higher responsiveness to business needs.
  1. Skills and Workforce Considerations
    The urgent need for mainframe talent remains at the forefront of many conversations, alongside efforts to replace retiring COBOL developers, Db2 specialists, and performance engineers—and adapt to evolving technologies. Surveys reveal that younger technologists see substantial opportunities in mainframes, but they are concerned about skill obsolescence. 

Cultivating a modern, diverse workforce for enterprise computing requires training initiatives, fresh curricula, and cross-platform development experiences. They’re already  happening:

  1. Security and Resilience
    Security is more complex and necessary than ever, from zero trust, privileged roles, and data access monitors to case studies of global outages. Simply patching isn’t enough; layered controls, thorough auditing, strong incident response, and continuous monitoring are essential. New threats to mainframe data—including APIs, cloud integrations, and cross-platform workflows—require comprehensive risk management approaches.
  1. Business Outcomes Over Pure IT Metrics
    Finally, in 2024, we saw the spotlight shift from traditional resource management (e.g., capping CPU via R4HA) to ensuring performance and availability for critical applications. Modern licensing models like IBM’s Tailored Fit Pricing reflect this move, freeing teams to focus on optimizing for user experience, revenue-generating services, and strategic initiatives. Observability tools further reinforce this theme, helping operations teams align performance tuning with actual business impact.
  1. Mainframers Have a Sense of Humor
    Yet, it’s not all business all the time. We know—and you showcased—the unique brand of humor in this niche environment. Keep it up!

2025 Predictions

Looking into our Plant Mainframe crystal ball, we have a few predictions for the mainframe in 2025: 

  • Mainframes will remain the bedrock of mission-critical operations
  • The mainframe ecosystem will contribute to an increase in high-paying careers
  • Mainframes will advance practical applications of AI and machine learning
  • The environmental impact and sustainability of technology will face increased scrutiny – and ideally, respond with innovation
  • Even more of you will subscribe to Cheryl Watson’s Tuning Letter for nitty gritty specs, CPU charts, new releases comparisons, and treats for DevOps and SysProg 
  • Organizations will grapple with the conflict between growing technology costs and the ramifications of technology debt

Takeaways

The mainframe world is an agile, evolving ecosystem poised to tackle the demands of AI, big data, cloud, and mobile computing. In 2025 and beyond, the mainframe will remain a cornerstone of mission-critical operations, a wellspring of high-paying careers, and a fertile ground for practical applications of future-facing technologies such as AI and machine learning.
What do you think 2025 will bring to the mainframe industry?
Take the Arcati survey to share and tell.

Penney Berryman, MPH (she/her), is the Content Editor for Planet Mainframe. She also writes health technology and online education marketing materials. Penney is based in Austin, Texas.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

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