Digital transformation driving mainframe activity

Reports of the mainframe’s death have been greatly exaggerated, according to the results of a global survey.

BMC Software surveyed more than 1200 executives and technical professionals worldwide, including 15 from Australia, finding that 89% predict the long-term viability of the mainframe.

Digital transformation efforts are in fact driving increased mainframe activity, with 57% reporting increased data volumes and 58% encountering increased transaction volumes.

As a result, 58% of companies are looking to grow their investment and use of the mainframe, with only 19% planning to reduce their usage of the platform.

The survey also shows that 50% of companies have more than half of their data residing in the mainframe.

Companies planning to grow their investment in the mainframe often have growing revenues and are focused on modernisation. IT leaders from these companies are looking to take advantage of technologies including Java, advanced automation and lower-cost specialty mainframes.

Respondents are also planning to take actions to optimise their data, systems and costs, with cost optimisation, compliance, application availability and application modernisation among their top priorities.

“IT departments are moving toward centralised, virtualised and highly automated environments. This is being pursued to drive cost and processing efficiencies. Many companies realise that the mainframe has provided these benefits for many years and is a mature and stable environment,” Credit Suissse Director of IT Frank Cortell said.

“Companies are considering the mainframe an integral part of their IT strategy and one that will help them reach their future financial and business goals.”

Image courtesy of Patrick Finnegan under CC