As organizations grapple with modernizing their legacy systems, the path forward for mainframes is no longer solely focused on rushing to the cloud—it’s about embracing flexibility, streamlined workflows, and a fresh perspective on what mainframe environments can achieve.
Gary Thornhill, Founder and CEO of Pop-Up Mainframe, has firsthand experience navigating this evolving landscape. In a recent interview with Planet Mainframe at GSE UK, Thornhill shared insights drawn from his wide-ranging background in mainframe operations, middleware, and DevOps, illuminating how the future of mainframes lies in adaptability, enhanced developer experiences, and a continuous focus on innovation.
Adapting to Change During COVID-19
The idea for PopUp Mainframe was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when Thornhill, then CEO of a DevOps consultancy, identified barriers to innovation in traditional mainframe practices. Faced with shifting client needs and operational challenges, his team explored ways to provide fast, reliable access to mainframe environments.
This exploration led to the creation of a platform enabling organizations to experiment and innovate without the constraints of static or outdated workflows.
Challenges in Mainframe Organizations
Thornhill sees many mainframe teams hindered by rigid organizational structures, siloed workflows, and a reliance on outsourcing. These factors and the static nature of traditional environments make it challenging to implement new ideas or adapt to modern demands.
To address these challenges, Thornhill recommends innovations in mainframe solutions should focus on:
- Simplified Access: Streamlining interfaces to make mainframe systems more intuitive and user-friendly.
- Compatibility: Supporting modern development tools like VS Code and integrating seamlessly into existing workflows.
- Flexibility: Allowing teams to quickly set up environments tailored to their needs, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
Advancing Automated Testing
One of the most critical advancements in mainframe modernization is adopting automated testing. Thornhill highlighted that many organizations still rely on manual testing – or neglect unit testing altogether – leading to slower development cycles and higher costs.
Frameworks like Galasa, an open-source testing tool supported by the Open Mainframe Project, play a key role in bridging the gap between mainframe and distributed testing practices. By leveraging familiar tools like JUnit and Selenium, organizations can improve testing efficiency and enhance overall quality.
Sustainability and Efficiency
Sustainability remains a pressing concern in IT, and mainframe technology is no exception. Thornhill emphasized the environmental impact of keeping systems active when not in use, which unnecessarily consumes resources.
Organizations can improve efficiency by optimizing resource usage—such as powering down systems during low demand—while significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Many companies also turn to sustainable infrastructure, such as solar-powered servers, to promote eco-conscious practices across IT operations.
Evolving the Developer Experience
Thornhill shared examples of how modern approaches are transforming the mainframe developer experience. One organization streamlined its workflows by integrating modern tools, enabling developers to interact with mainframe systems more efficiently and productively.
Another example demonstrated the successful integration of mainframe and cloud-based systems to enable comprehensive testing. These advancements show how modernized environments can support diverse workflows without compromising quality or reliability.
Addressing Talent Gaps
The shrinking pool of mainframe talent poses a significant challenge as experienced professionals retire and younger developers gravitate toward newer technologies. Thornhill outlined several strategies to bridge this gap:
- Simplifying Learning: Providing tools and interfaces that resemble those used in modern development, lowering the barrier for entry.
- Building Partnerships: Collaborating with universities to give students hands-on experience with mainframe systems.
- Focusing on Impact: Highlighting the meaningful change mainframe systems can drive in industries like finance and healthcare, appealing to purpose-driven young professionals.
- Improving the developer experience is also crucial. Faster implementation of changes, such as database updates or system integrations, and showcasing cutting-edge workflows can make mainframe careers more attractive to a broader audience.
Addressing the talent gap requires not only modernizing tools but also reshaping perceptions of mainframe work as dynamic and impactful.
Looking Ahead
While recognizing the excitement surrounding emerging technologies like AI, Thornhill urged organizations to focus on practical, well-defined objectives. Tools like BMC’s Code Insights and IBM’s Watson Code Assistant can help streamline processes, but their success depends on strategic planning and prioritization.
Additionally, innovations like running mainframe platforms directly on mainframe processors are on the horizon, offering clients the ability to balance modern flexibility with the strengths of traditional infrastructure.
A Roadmap for IT Leaders
Gary Thornhill’s vision for mainframe technology is one of modernization, sustainability, and accessibility. By addressing challenges in efficiency, talent acquisition, and environmental impact, and by leveraging the best of modern tools and traditional systems, organizations can create a more connected and innovative future for mainframes.
The future of mainframes isn’t just about the cloud—it’s about adaptability, smarter workflows, and fostering a new generation of mainframe talent. Thornhill’s approach offers a roadmap for IT leaders looking to unlock the full potential of their mainframe investments.
Amanda Hendley is the Managing Editor of Planet Mainframe and Co-host of the iTech-Ed Mainframe User Groups. She has always been a part of the technology community having spent eleven years at Technology Association of Georgia and six years at Computer Measurement Group. Amanda is a Georgia Tech graduate and enjoys spending her free time renovating homes and volunteering with SEGSPrescue.org in Atlanta, Georgia.