“I’m an Influential Mainframer because I drive innovation, share expertise, and advocate for the future of mainframe technology.”
Marcus Davage
Lead Product Developer, BMC Software
Wales, Great Britain
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View the entire 2025 Influential Mainframers group here.
Marcus Davage has worn nearly every hat in the mainframe world—developer, systems programmer, DBA, and now Lead Product Developer at BMC Software. With more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in Db2 and system performance, helping enterprise teams modernize their environments, automate processes, and unlock new levels of scale and resilience.
He’s also a five-time IBM Champion and Open Mainframe Project Ambassador, known for his technical depth and generous sharing what he knows. Marcus is a regular speaker at global events including IDUG and GSE, where his talks have covered topics such as Db2 lock mechanisms, ransomware resilience, and the evolving role of the DBA in DevOps.
He chairs the UK Db2 User Group, co-hosts the IDUG Db2 Table Talk podcast, and contributes regularly to modernization converse on modernization, AI, and cloud integration. “I’m usually the one doing the interviewing,” he says, “so it’s been a bit odd to find myself in the hot seat—but fun!”
Marcus is also deeply invested in education and workforce development. As a STEM Ambassador, he teaches coding to primary school students at his Welsh-language Code Club and mentors IBM Z Student Ambassadors.
His university guest lectures—often focused on demystifying mainframes and AI—are a personal highlight. “The mainframe’s performance, scalability, and sheer ubiquity always surprises students. That moment of realization never gets old. ”But despite his expertise, his favorite role might be the one behind the scenes: encouraging others to step forward, ask questions, and build the skills they need to shape what’s next. Marcus is also a certified educator with the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
Influential Mainframer
Mainframe technology continues to evolve because of the dedicated professionals, educators, mentors, and innovators who drive it forward. We’re shining a spotlight on the individuals who are making waves—whether they’re advancing technology, mentoring new talent, sharing knowledge, championing modernization, or quietly keeping mission-critical systems running every day. These are the people shaping the future of mainframe. They come from all backgrounds and experience levels, but they all have one thing in common: they’re making a difference.
Check back daily as we reveal a new honoree. Read their stories, celebrate their impact, and be inspired.
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