For decades, mainframes have stood quietly at the heart of global enterprise computing, but they haven’t been without competition. From the rise of minicomputers to the spread of UNIX systems and the open-source movement, each wave of innovation has challenged the mainframe’s role in the data center.
Some rivals promised flexibility, others speed or cost savings — but few matched the mainframe’s staying power. This quiz explores the shifting landscape of enterprise IT, where architectures clashed, technologies evolved, and unexpected players reshaped the industry.
How much do you know about the systems that tried to compete…and the reasons mainframes still endure? Take the quiz and find out!
Sonja Soderlund is an Oregon-based B2B freelance writer. Whether writing about mainframe computers, educational technology, or sustainable retail, she strives to bring clarity to complex issues.