Generative AI Revitalizes Mainframes: IBM's z17 and New Tools Revolutionize Legacy Systems
May 19, 2025
Lisa Dyer from Ensono pointed out that generative AI allows clients with mission-critical applications on mainframes to experiment safely.
Generative AI is breathing new life into legacy mainframe infrastructure, as companies increasingly deploy coding assistants and automation tools to enhance efficiency.
In June 2025, IBM will launch the z17 mainframe, featuring advanced Telum II AI processors, building on the success of the previous z16 model.
As traditional migration methods have often failed to provide effective exit strategies from mainframes, Capgemini is focusing on facilitating the transition to a hybrid cloud environment.
Rocket Software's CEO has stressed the importance of explainability in AI, ensuring that mainframe operations remain accessible and understandable to non-experts.
John Schick from ISG highlighted that generative AI is empowering service providers to enhance the value of critical mainframe functions for their clients.
The financial sector has already seen improvements in efficiency due to generative AI tools, with companies like Goldman Sachs and Bank of America reporting significant gains.
Capgemini recently introduced a code conversion toolkit aimed at modernizing COBOL applications and databases, with the launch occurring on May 17, 2025.
To address the skills gap in enterprise IT, Rocket Software is utilizing generative AI as a training tool for engineers preparing for z17 deployments.
A recent survey by Publicis Sapient revealed that 80% of IT leaders are considering the use of coding assistants to manage legacy systems and automate testing processes.
On May 16, 2025, Rocket Software launched a suite of modernization services, which includes mainframe anomaly detection and a plain-language coding assistant.
Market research from ISG indicates that large language model technologies are encouraging companies to refactor mainframe applications instead of migrating them to the cloud.
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CIO Dive • May 19, 2025
AI makes further inroads into the mainframe ecosystem