Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the GSE conference at Whittlebury Hall with CPT Global's European Technical Director, Geoff Scott, and our Director of Operations, Jeff Keizer. Walking into the hotel foyer, the energy and anticipation was palpable, setting the stage for what would be an amazing experience among fellow mainframe enthusiasts.
Mainframes are anything but outdated, and this conference proved exactly that. From modernisation strategies to security innovations, learning sessions were packed with insights on how mainframes are evolving and playing a key role in businesses.
Read what I thought about the conference and why mainframes are more important than ever below.
Security is the number one topic on every IT leader's mind and a constant concern, so this year it took center stage. Mainframes hold some of your organisation's most sensitive data, especially in industries like banking and healthcare, so ensuring their resilience is non-negotiable.
A standout session on mainframe security tackled multi-layered defence strategies, with an emphasis on zero-trust architecture. This approach enforces strict access control policies and uses continuous authentication to prevent unauthorized access, making mainframes even more secure.
Moreover, the conference highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring and auditing, understanding that many attendees are under regulatory pressure to demonstrate security compliance. Experts stressed that proactive measures, such as regular security assessments and updates, are essential to countering potential threats and maintaining strong compliance standards.
A major theme at the conference was mainframe modernisation, with a clear message: to stay relevant, mainframes must integrate with modern technologies, forming hybrid models that enhance adaptability while preserving their core strengths. For businesses still hesitant to invest in modernisation, these sessions laid out compelling arguments around long-term cost savings and enhanced security, which are the top-two priorities for IT teams and businesses.
Another key point that emerged was the necessity of adopting a strategic approach to modernisation. Organizations were advised to assess their current technological landscape and identify specific areas where modern solutions can be integrated effectively, rather than trying to modernise an entire mainframe environment all at once.
Another fascinating aspect of the conference was hearing directly from companies that are successfully leveraging mainframe technology in innovative ways. For instance, a UK-based financial services company shared a case study on how it uses mainframe-based analytics to enhance fraud detection, processing millions of transactions per second while maintaining data security and compliance.
The diversity of use cases highlighted the versatility of mainframes across sectors. From healthcare to manufacturing, organizations are discovering unique applications that capitalise on the mainframe's capabilities, proving that these systems are far from obsolete.
A conference is only as good as the people you meet, and this event was no exception. I had a chance to connect with other mainframe professionals – some with decades of experience and others who were new to the field. I was especially encouraged by the event's focus on mentorship and bridging the skills gap. Experienced mainframe engineers were eager to share their expertise, and it was clear that fostering the next generation of mainframe talent is a priority.
Additionally, the sense of community transcended professional development. Conversations often included discussions about personal growth, work-life balance, and shared challenges, creating a supportive network that extends well beyond the conference itself.
Several vendors showcased exciting advancements in DevOps tools for mainframes, which is a trend that aims to streamline traditionally complex workflows. Tools like Ansible for z/OS and Git-based CI/CD pipelines help teams manage mainframe applications with the same agility as any modern software stack. This means developers can bring the same automation and speed to mainframe environments as they can with other infrastructure.
Unsurprisingly, AI also had a noticeable presence, particularly in predictive maintenance. Now, tools powered by machine learning can anticipate hardware failures based on system data, reducing downtime and costs. But the integration of AI goes beyond maintenance.
AI is also revolutionising data processing capabilities, enabling mainframes to volumes of information more intelligently and efficiently than ever, which is perfect timing as data complexity, demand, and regulations increase.
One of the most exciting takeaways from GSE was the clear commitment to a hybrid future for mainframes. Instead of being viewed as isolated, legacy systems, mainframes are increasingly being integrated into wider IT ecosystems. This means more APIs, more automation, and greater cloud compatibility.
Speakers emphasised that for organisations with heavy regulatory requirements, mainframes deliver superior security and compliance. Looking ahead, I see a future where mainframes keep critical industries running in harmony with modern technologies, while also becoming more flexible and interconnected.
Ultimately, the vision presented was one of collaboration, where mainframes work in tandem with other technologies to deliver comprehensive, efficient solutions across diverse business landscapes.
The GSE conference was an inspiring experience, reaffirming much of what CPT has been seeing in client sites and the IT industry itself. For anyone doubting the mainframe's relevance, this conference was a strong reminder that mainframes are here to stay and are evolving in exciting ways.
The energy and innovation on display left a lasting impression, validating the ongoing investment in mainframe technology and its potential to drive future advancements. I look forward to attending future GSE conferences and continuing to see the mainframe continue to be a force to be reckoned with in modern IT.