BMC’s latest “2024 BMC Mainframe Survey” is now available, revealing the state of the mainframe is strong, with a bright outlook, thanks to emerging technologies and continued digital transformation.
The mainframe’s speed, processing capacity, and security continue to make the platform a key component of the ever-changing IT landscape.
Enhancements to the platform’s hardware, such as the IBM z16’s Telum processor, development of adoption of modern, intuitive tooling, and incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have increased the mainframe’s capabilities while also making it more accessible to IT professionals.
This year’s edition of the BMC Mainframe Survey shows that positive perception of the mainframe remains high, with 94% of respondents seeing it as a long-term platform or a platform for new workloads.
Additionally, survey results also show that investment in the mainframe remains high, with 90% of respondents reporting that their organizations are continuing to invest in the platform.
While large (10,001–50k MIPS) and extra-large (greater than 50k MIPS) shops show increased investment, smaller shops (under 10k MIPS) are seeking to maintain current investment levels while leveraging new technologies to optimize within their current footprint.
Compliance and security top the list of mainframe priorities for the fifth consecutive year, with 64% of respondents indicating concerns in these areas.
While the threat of ransomware remains a top issue, survey respondents report decreased confidence in the effectiveness of their ransomware controls, with an 8% drop in those that find their controls to be extremely effective. This drop in confidence is even more pronounced in European respondents, with a 10% decrease.
Cost optimization takes the second spot on the list of priorities, while the number of respondents listing artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) and operational analytics as a top priority jumped to 45% (an 11% increase from 2023), moving it into the top three.
The increased prioritization of AIOps reflects surging interest in the implementation of emerging technologies on the mainframe.
Respondents are also considering the use of cloud technologies, with storage backup, connecting the mainframe to cloud-based workloads, and utilizing a cloud-based mainframe as leading considerations.
Results of the 2024 BMC Mainframe Survey show a strong positive perception of the platform as one of growth. While compliance and security are top priorities, respondents indicate that there is work to be done to further protect the platform from threats like ransomware. The survey also shows that new technologies play a pivotal role in mainframe transformation, with organizations considering how best to utilize these technologies to drive the platform into the future while optimizing costs.
For more information about this news, download the 2024 BMC Mainframe Survey report.