IBM Launches New IBM Z and Cloud Modernization Center for Acceleration of Hybrid Cloud

• Industry’s definitive portfolio for modernization of IBM Z-based enterprise applications and data
• Inaugural Center partners include Capgemini, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Episode Six, Fiorano Software, Fujitsu Limited, Software Business Unit, HEXANIKA, Illumio, Luxoft, a DXC Technology Company, MuleSoft, Pennant Technologies, Software AG, Suntec Business Solutions, and Zafin.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) unveiled the IBM Z and Cloud Modernization Center, a digital front door to a vast array of tools, training, resources, and ecosystem partners to help IBM Z clients accelerate the modernization of their applications, data, and processes in an open hybrid cloud architecture.

In the IBM Institute for Business Value study, “Application Modernization on the Mainframe,” 71 percent of executives say mainframe-based applications are central to their business strategy. Four out of five respondents say their organizations need to rapidly transform to keep up with the competition, which includes modernizing mainframe-based apps and adopting a more open approach. The report confirmed that executives view modernizing mainframe-based applications—and connecting them with new applications through a hybrid cloud environment—as crucial to driving a holistic digital transformation strategy across the mainframe and cloud.  They are seamlessly intertwined in delivering cutting-edge enterprise-wide agility and capability. And together they help secure operations, reduce latency, and drive legacy processes to higher levels of business agility.

According to a recent IBM Institute for Business Value survey, “The hybrid cloud platform advantage,” the value derived from a full hybrid, multi-cloud platform technology and operating model at scale is 2.5 times the value derived from a single-platform, single-cloud vendor approach. Further, an IBM hybrid cloud transformation that integrates IBM Z can extend up to 5x the value of a public cloud-only approach¹. A Hurwitz and Associates whitepaper sponsored by IBM confirms this additional value is derived by: business acceleration, developer productivity, infrastructure cost efficiency, regulatory, compliance and security, and deployment flexibility².

Today, many IBM Z clients are running on modern infrastructure. However, to truly leverage the benefits of the hybrid cloud, organizations must continue to modernize their applications and data. With the IBM Z and Cloud Modernization Center, clients can gain insights on maintaining their current IT estate, while focusing on the design and execution of a strategy for their core applications and data running on IBM Z to prepare for hybrid cloud. Leveraging decades of experience resident in IBM Consulting and IBM’s key ecosystem partners, this includes a detailed assessment of the client’s IT and business objectives, modernization of existing apps and data to extend them to the cloud, including IBM Cloud and third-party hyperscalers, and developing new cloud-native apps and integrating them with existing apps and data already on IBM Z.

“The world-class reliability and security of IBM’s Z solutions have contributed significantly to the mainframe’s remarkable longevity and business value for enterprise customers,” said Charles King, PUND-IT. “However, another crucial feature—adaptability—is just as important. For well over two decades, IBM has ensured that Z mainframes addressed vital requirements in both existing and emerging applications and use cases, including Linux, open systems, and hybrid cloud. With the new IBM Z and Cloud Modernization Center, IBM and its partners are providing customers the tools, resources, and training they need to successfully modernize and transform mainframe-based applications, data, and processes in hybrid cloud environments, and thus maximize their IBM Z investments.”

As part of the IBM Z Cloud and Modernization Center, clients can access a digital journey showcasing comprehensive resources and guidance for business professionals, IT executives, and developers alike. The main zones of the center include:

• Domain-specific IBM expertise, including IBM Consulting assets, expertise, and methodologies, co-creation with clients via IBM Consulting methodologies, demos, trials, minimum viable product (MVPs), workshops, and other point services designed to help accelerate the digital transformation journey. Accelerators include IBM Consulting Garage, reference architectures and patterns, sample modernization journeys, and other technical solutions.
• A strategic ecosystem of leading global services and technology partners, including:
• Services: Systems integrators with offerings and competencies including in-place modernization. Partners today include Capgemini and Deloitte Consulting LLP, with more expected to be announced in the coming months.
• Technology partners: Software vendors and managed service partners including Episode Six; Fiorano Software; Fujitsu Limited, Software Business Unit; HEXANIKA; Illumio; Luxoft, a DXC Technology Company; MuleSoft; Pennant Technologies; Software AG; Suntec Business Solutions; and Zafin.
• Additional resources such as links to a learning hub to enable architects and developers on application modernization techniques, a reference center with client use cases, analyst papers, and other materials designed to help educate and empower.

“Until now, global businesses that run on IBM Z have had limited choices for a one-stop-shop for information and steps to take toward modernization. Coupled with confusing narratives by vendors in the marketplace and accounts of failed migrations, finding a resource IT leaders can turn to can be a challenge,” said Meredith Stowell, VP, IBM Z Ecosystem.  “The reality is that the future is hybrid, where IBM Z and Cloud are better together. While lift and shift migration may seem like an attractive choice for modernization, in many cases it can be a one-way street and lock-in to one public cloud which may have implications on cost, governance, and security. IBM deeply understands the IBM Z environment, cloud ecosystem, and the industries that rely on us, and we’ve brought together all the elements needed to help our clients adopt hybrid cloud in one place.”

From the world’s top finance and banking institutions to retailers, airlines, and other industries, 67 of the Fortune 100 rely on IBM Z today. Many of these enterprises and hundreds more are modernizing on IBM Z as an integral part of their hybrid cloud strategies. For more information please visit ibm.biz/zandcloud.

Source: IBM