Mainframe Optimization: 5 Best Practices to Implement Now

Mainframes have been the backbone of enterprise computing, providing power and security for many years. However, cloud platforms now offer similar capabilities along with added benefits such as flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Moving from mainframe systems to a cloud-first approach is complex and involves potentially costly and time-consuming application and data migration, as well as inherent risks. Nevertheless, organizations can take a long-term view, leveraging the strengths of both mainframe and cloud systems. This integrated approach allows for a wide range of IT options, combining the reliability of mainframes with the innovation of cloud computing.

This article explores the intricacies of optimizing mainframes, discussing the driving forces, common approaches, and essential methods and tools for successful implementation.

Best Practice 1. Start with Mainframe Data Replication

Irrespective of the chosen approach, the eventual necessity to extract data from the mainframe and relocate it becomes apparent. Real-time data replication often serves as an impactful initial stride in the modernization trajectory for numerous organizations.

The implementation of Change Data Capture (CDC) technology simplifies this pivotal process, delivering essential attributes such as flexibility, reliability, accuracy, and performance. The real-time replication of mainframe data to the cloud presents an expedited pathway toward harnessing the capabilities of robust cloud analytics, AI, enterprise search, and other advanced functionalities.

Best Practice 2. Mind Your Metadata

When transitioning data from one system to another, preserving metadata about the data's lineage is crucial. This is essential for upholding data integrity and complying with regulations, such as financial auditing, data privacy, and industry-specific standards.

In light of the significance of metadata management, organizations should embrace top-tier solutions specifically designed to address this need seamlessly. Custom-built, in-house data replication solutions frequently fall short in providing the requisite level of metadata management.

Best Practice 3. Make It Scalable and Repeatable

Mainframe modernization initiatives often encompass diverse data replication scenarios. These scenarios are subject to evolution within the mainframe and cloud environments and may necessitate the integration of cloud data back to the mainframe.

Hence, it is crucial to steer clear of rigid, custom-built data replication tools prevalent in many organizations. Instead, seek flexible and scalable data replication technology capable of supporting a "build once, deploy anywhere" paradigm, and readily adaptable to accommodate the anticipated changes in both platforms over time.

Best Practice 4. Integrate Your System Security

Many mainframe systems operate as distinct silos within the enterprise IT landscape. If your mainframe systems are not integrated with your SEIM solution, you could be operating with some blind spots in security. Continuous and fully integrated access to security records is essential for your operations management and regulatory compliance teams.

By replicating security events to your existing SEIM solution, you can close that gap, eliminate the silo effect, and build stronger defenses against cybersecurity threats.

Best Practice 5. Build a Holistic Data Governance Framework

Most enterprises have made significant progress in developing a sound data governance framework. Mainframe modernization can add significant complexity, requiring a fresh look at data governance and the implications of data replication. Without a proactive posture toward data governance and data integrity in general, organizations run a risk of diminished control, degradation of data integrity, and non-compliance.

Mainframe modernization offers enormous potential gains and advantages, but it also raises a host of new challenges. It’s important to develop a sound roadmap and vision for your organization’s modernization journey.