Innovation - New approach

Enhanced Definition

In the context of IBM mainframe systems and z/OS, "innovation - new approach" refers to the strategic adoption and implementation of novel methods, tools, or technologies to enhance the capabilities, efficiency, and integration of enterprise computing environments. It involves evolving traditional mainframe practices to address modern business demands, leverage contemporary IT paradigms, and extend the value of core z/OS assets.

Key Characteristics

- Modernization Focus: Often targets the modernization of existing COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler applications, JCL processes, or data access mechanisms (e.g., DB2, IMS).
- Integration with Hybrid Cloud: Emphasizes creating seamless interoperability between z/OS workloads and distributed or cloud-native applications, typically via APIs and microservices.
- DevOps Adoption: Involves implementing agile development methodologies, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, and automated testing for mainframe application development.
- Data-Driven Insights: Utilizes advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI techniques to derive insights from vast amounts of mainframe data (e.g., SMF records, log files) for operational intelligence or business advantage.
- Skillset Evolution: Requires fostering new skills among mainframe professionals, including proficiency in modern programming languages, open-source tools, and cloud platforms.

Use Cases

- API Enablement: Developing RESTful APIs on z/OS (e.g., using z/OS Connect EE) to expose core business logic or data from CICS, IMS, or DB2 to external applications.
- Mainframe DevOps Pipelines: Implementing Git-based source code management, automated builds (e.g., using IBM Z Open Development), and automated deployments for COBOL applications.
- Hybrid Data Integration: Replicating or synchronizing mainframe data (e.g., DB2 for z/OS) with cloud data stores for analytics or new application development.
- AI for Operations (AIOps): Applying AI/ML algorithms to analyze system performance metrics and logs to predict and prevent outages or optimize resource utilization.
- Containerization on Z: Exploring the use of Linux on Z or z/OS Container Extensions (zCX) to run containerized workloads alongside traditional z/OS applications.

Related Concepts

Innovation on the mainframe is intrinsically linked to Mainframe Modernization, DevOps for z/OS, Hybrid Cloud, and the API Economy. It often leverages z/OS Connect EE for integration, IBM Z Open Development and IBM Z Open Automation Utilities for development and automation, and DB2 for z/OS or IMS for data access. It aims to bridge the gap between the robust, secure, and performant core of z/OS and the agility and flexibility of modern IT landscapes.