COVID-19 Pandemic Exposes Modernization Needs for Critical Mainframe Systems
Summary
Therefore government and enterprise require intermediate solutions to connect mainframes and keep critical systems running at record volumes. Rather than try to build new capabilities into legacy systems, companies should create what consulting firm IDC calls "the connected mainframe," by installing intermediary mainframe-to-cloud integrations. Importantly, the same tools can make outbound API calls from the mainframe to serve any manner of critical function; checking terrorist databases, connecting with AI-based fraud systems, or initiate real-time payments. The unemployment crisis in states around the country, and mainframe failures elsewhere in government and business have brought attention on the short supply of COBOL programmers in the market. Organizations in government and business alike should act now to establish the connected mainframes our society requires in advance of whatever challenge we’ll face next.