Bridging Generations: Vaughn Marshall on Modernizing Mainframe App Development and Empowering the Next Wave of Developers

Jan 30, 2025

Amanda Hendley is the Managing Editor of Planet Mainframe and host of the Virtual Mainframe User Groups. With a career rooted in the technology community, she has held leadership roles at the Technology Association of Georgia, Computer Measurement Group (CMG), and Planet Mainframe. A proud Georgia Tech graduate, Amanda spends her free time renovating homes and volunteering with SEGSPrescue.org in Atlanta, Georgia.

Vaughn Marshall, Product Manager at Broadcom‘s Mainframe Software division, shared his insights on the modernization of app development within the mainframe space. As the leader responsible for Broadcom’s product, Endevor, a market-leading software configuration tool, he discussed the challenges and opportunities facing mainframe developers today, particularly as the industry transitions from the “old guard” to a new generation of developers. 

He highlighted key findings from a commissioned study:

  • 93% of mainframe developers are highly satisfied with their careers.
  • 16% of a mainframer’s time is spent coding—an indicator of ongoing manual processes and the need for further automation.

He further emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between traditional mainframe practices and modern software development methodologies, highlighting initiatives like the Zowe project and Broadcom‘s innovations in making mainframe development more accessible and less niche. His advice for aspiring mainframers: network, seek mentorship, and embrace the collaborative mainframe community!

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