IBM’s Mainframe Still Rules the Business World

Ninety-two of the world’s top 100 banks, all of the top 10 insurers, 18 of the top 25 retailers, 70% of the Fortune 500 and much of the world’s healthcare, finance, utilities, and governments, rely on IBM mainframe computer systems as the core of their organization’s information technology.

Mainframes are the ultimate data servers, designed to process billions of transactions quickly with the highest levels of security and reliability. Mainframes have a stunning 99.999% uptime, and their “Mean Time Between Failure” is measured in decades. IBM’s z14™ mainframes seamlessly encrypt 100% of the application, cloud service and database data, providing unparalleled data security in an age when data security is critical.

However, these computer systems that process 90% of all credit card transactions and hold over 80% of the world’s business data have a need — the highly trained mainframe computing personnel to run them.

Mainframe training trends

Digital learning

A recent IBM analysis of Z Mainframe training delivered globally identified the mainframe eLearning curriculum of Skillsoft content partner Interskill Learning as the world’s most delivered Z Mainframe training annually. Interskill Learning’s mainframe workforce training includes hundreds of on-demand mainframe eLearning courses, mainframe skills assessments, mainframe coaching and mentoring tools, program structure, training data reporting and analytics, and dedicated learning services. All of which are backed by the power and value of official IBM Credentials. Interskill Learning’s optimal mainframe training solution is now available to Skillsoft customers.

In-person and conferences

Classroom training has long been a mainframe industry staple. Most organizations rely heavily on mainframe topic classroom training from IBM’s five global training partners. There are also numerous mainframe computing conferences like the prestigious IBM Technical University conferences and the SHARE mainframe user group.

IBM badges

A crucial new factor in Z Mainframe training today is IBM’s multi-award-winning IBM Digital Badge Program. These official IBM digital credentials motivate mainframe computing personnel to complete more training, engage personal and foster workforce retention. In addition, they give mainframe computing organizations the assurance of an IBM verified and benchmarked mainframe computing workforce.

Preparing for the exodus of mainframe retirees

The mainframe computing industry hired personnel en masse in the 1970s. As a result, we are now facing the prospect of losing many of its most knowledgeable and experienced personnel. It’s an industry imperative that mainframe organizations transfer the priceless knowledge and experience and wisdom of senior mainframers to the next generation of mainframers before the senior mainframers retire.

The mainframe industry’s most successful method of knowledge transfer is combining an internal mainframe coaching and mentoring program with a broad, on-demand mainframe eLearning curriculum. The natural synergy between mainframe coaching/mentoring and mainframe eLearning delivers optimal mainframe knowledge transfer. Besides, this partnership requires minimal time from busy senior mainframers and all at a minimal cost.

Skillsoft’s mainframe clients are already gaining a competitive advantage for the next decade by maximizing mainframe knowledge transfer today. Let us show you how easy it is to implement.

Talk to your Skillsoft representative today!

Darren Surch is the COO at Interskill Learning. Interskill Learning develops, delivers and supports the broad array of modern Z mainframe workforce training components that deliver year-round, global, broad-spectrum mainframe training to mainframe personnel and empowers Mainframe Managers, Coaches and Mentors with the ultimate mainframe training tools.

IBM Champion