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By now, I assume that you’ve heard about IBM’s next generation mainframe: the IBM z14. I can assume that because this launch has been a really big deal—as in, headline news big deal. Already coverage from outlets like Wired and CNBC (not your typical mainframe-focused publications) has led to this launch becoming a trending topic.

Throughout the tech world, there’s an energy and buzz around this Z launch to a degree that we haven’t seen in a long time. Maybe that’s because rather than focusing on “speeds and feeds,” the focus of this launch has been on big themes with well-defined business value such as “security,” “open source,” and “analytics.”

I’m proud to note that Rocket technology is not just included in, but is actually driving many of these important developments. At Rocket, of course, we’ve been saying things like “move your analytics closer to your data” for the past few years. So, it’s particularly exciting to see IBM saying, publicly, “It’s time to move your analytics back to your data.” It’s an affirmation of the enduring value of the mainframe and of Rocket technology.

Perhaps the biggest story about this launch has been how the new z14 “will encrypt all your data.” The z14 can handle 12 billion transactions a day – enough to allow full encryption for the first time. For banks, the vast majority of whom continue to use mainframes for their underlying infrastructure, and who have been searching for ways to better secure their sensitive data, this announcement couldn’t be more welcome.

It looks as though—once again—big iron is saving the day. So, today, I’m more optimistic than ever before about the future of the mainframe. And I’m prouder than ever to say that Rocket loves Z.

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Andy Youniss

Andy Youniss co-founded Rocket Software in 1990 and continues to be the company's main driving force. Andy successfully established and actively manages Rocket's largest OEM partnerships and is guiding the company's growth through technology investments, acquisitions, new product lines, and strategic partnerships. Prior to founding Rocket Software, Andy was the development manager for DB View Inc., a software company specializing in DB2 database tools. Previously, he was a programmer/analyst at American Management Systems, and was also a project development consultant. Andy holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

Latest posts by Andy Youniss (see all)

• This Never Gets Old…Rocket D3 Voted Best MultiValue Database - August 3, 2017
• The IBM z14 launch reminds me why I’m proud to be a Rocketeer and a mainframer - July 20, 2017
• Generation Z Competing on Mainframes - April 24, 2017