Seminar

Mainframe Architecture for Managers (EN)

We first introduced our Mainframe for Managers course in 2012 and have since successfully conducted it over 20 times, both publicly and in-house. This vendor-neutral course provides a comprehensive overview of IBM mainframe technology, addressing both its benefits and drawbacks. To ensure neutrality, we deliberately do not employ IBM instructors for this seminar.

Course start

March 31, 2025

Time

First day, 9:00 AM – third day, 3:00 PM

Register now

Goals

Through our interactions with clients, we have consistently observed a knowledge gap regarding IBM mainframe architecture among IT executives who are involved in making far-reaching and strategic decisions within their organizations. The mainframe is often perceived as a dying dinosaur, with outdated technology, high costs, and a need for replacement by more modern platforms.

At EMA, we take a different view! The mainframe, in its current iterations, incorporates state-of-the-art technology. It has been a pioneer in numerous new technologies and possesses impressive unique features that other platforms cannot match, or at least not with the same level of quality. In terms of availability and security, the IBM mainframe sets benchmarks that other platforms struggle to meet. Additionally, the mainframe's technology often takes a back seat in the minds of executives due to its extreme reliability and high availability, which means it rarely experiences serious issues. Consequently, it doesn't become the center of maintenance and troubleshooting efforts.

We have conducted numerous internal workshops and coaching sessions for managers at various client organizations, giving us valuable insights into their specific needs and the topics that are most relevant for executive-level workshops. Moreover, we understand the appropriate depth of coverage for each topic, ensuring that the essential aspects are made comprehensible to managers.

Our last sessions were mostly fully booked! We therefore recommend registering early for our upcoming workshops.

Topics

The following is a summary of the workshop content, which is intended as a guideline and may be adapted and expanded upon as needed for each individual workshop.

Introduction

  • Introduction round

  • Introduction to the topic

  • The myth of the "dying dinosaur"

  • What defines a mainframe?

  • Mainframe history

Virtualization on the Mainframe

  • History

  • Physical partitioning

  • Logical partitioning

  • SW virtualization with z/VM

  • Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM)

  • Comparison / combination of techniques

Architecture "zSystems"

  • HW components

  • I/O architecture

  • Storage and storage management

  • Unique features of IBM mainframes Examples: WLM, HiperSockets, IRD, etc.

  • Hybrid computing

Clustering Techniques

  • Cluster models

  • The Sysplex concept

  • Purpose of a coupling facility

  • Data sharing

  • Availability scenarios

  • GDPS

Linux on the Mainframe

  • IBM opens up

  • Linux on the mainframe

  • LinuxONE (Emporer and Rock Hopper)

  • KVM vs. z/VM

  • zCX – containers in z/OS

  • Data analytics under Linux

  • Use cases and examples

  • Docker containers on the mainframe

  • Blockchain and mainframes

The modern Mainframe

  • Client/server Model

  • Java and Java EE

  • WebSphere on the mainframe

  • Message queuing

  • SOA and mainframes

  • Web services (SOAP vs. REST)

  • API community

  • Machine learning on the mainframe

Database Technology

  • Overview of database systems

  • The relational database system Db2

  • The hierarchical database system IMS

  • Examples

Transaction Processing

  • Transaction Processing (TP)

  • TP Light vs. TP Heavy

  • The transaction monitor CICS

  • IMS/TM

Application Development

  • TSO and ISPF

  • Graphical development environments

  • Eclipse / VS Code / IntelliJ

  • RDz (Rational Developer for System z)

Big Data

  • The role of Big Data

  • SQL vs. NoSQL

  • Big Data and mainframes

Security

  • Security Server

  • Mainframe Security vs. UNIX/Linux Security

  • HW support

  • Pervasive Encryption

Cost Factors

  • Understanding "Special Engines"

  • Pricing models / billing

  • TCO considerations

Miscellaneous / Wrap-up

  • Additional requests from participants

  • Open questions

Weitere Informationen

Costs

Included in the course fee, in addition to the actual event, is catering.

Prices are exclusive of VAT.

Hotel Arrangements

We have reserved a block of rooms for participants at the conference hotel. Please mention "EMA Training" when booking your room.

For groups of three or more participants (from the same company), the European Mainframe Academy will cover the cost of accommodation and will centrally handle the booking of rooms.

KPM Hotel
willkommen@kpmhotel.de
+49 30 3740990

Specialty

In advance, we will be emailing all registered participants to inquire about specific topics they would like covered in this seminar and to gauge their expectations. This will add significant value to the seminar for all participants.

The mix of speakers from industry and academia guarantees a unique combination of sound theoretical background knowledge and proven practical experience.

We have deliberately chosen not to include any IBMers as speakers in this seminar to maintain neutrality.

We strongly recommend that out-of-town participants arrive the day before, as we will start promptly at 9:00 AM. It would be a shame for anyone to miss the very important introduction to this seminar.

Overview

Course start
March 31, 2025
Language
English
Target group
Managers
Prior knowledge
Nein
Duration
3 days
Fees
3,300 €

Contact us

European Mainframe Academy GmbH
Alt Moabit 90d
10559 Berlin
Germany

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