Use Micro-Services and APIs to Create Digital Services off Mainframe

Micro-services and APIs for mainframe may not seem like the obvious choice for dealing with mainframe issues. Let’s look at these digital services in the context of a typical mainframe user’s biggest challenge: cost.

Cost is always part of the conversation. You might be deciding if?to upgrade mainframe system or replace your existing system. Or, you may be looking for practical ways to maintain the system that supports your organization. When it comes to cost concerns in the IT space, older systems can often mean higher bills.

And if you are like most organizations on mainframe, your system is old. System age is not a problem in and of itself. As long as your mainframe is agile. So, what is a hallmark of agility on mainframe? An agile mainframe is one that allows for collaboration between software development and operations teams. Enter cloud solutions and other micro-services. These innovative solutions offer cost savings and utility for mainframe users. Effectively, APIs leverage new technologies to support old technologies and protect technology investments.

Micro-Services

Also known as micro-services architecture, microservices are an approach for developing software systems. The purpose of a microservice is to build single-function modules for software systems, breaking the systems down into programs that are self-contained. These modules then work with operations and interfaces.

As such, the microservices approach in a mainframe environment is useful for leveraging the existing system to increase efficiencies and lower development and other costs. Microservices make it possible to create digital services off mainframe.

APIs

Application Programming Interface, commonly called API. APIs enable applications to communicate with each other. As such, an API makes it possible for applications (including applications on mainframe) to access data. Further, APIs enable interaction with microservices, as well as operating systems and external software.

With APIs, organizations on mainframe get the flexibility that this type of interface offers. APIs make mainframes more agile. As a result, they can also make your mainframe more efficient. And ultimately, it can make mainframe improvements more cost effective, all while increasing its utility.

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